Question of the Week: Time to Phase Out ELTs?

In some high-profile recent accidents, emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) have failed to activate or their signals were obscured. The technology has existed for some time to track individual aircraft by satellite. Should we scrap ELTs in favor of satellite tracking? Plus: Last week, we asked why aviation incidents and accidents are so appealing to the mainstream media – and got some great letters on that topic, by the way. Click here to read a couple. And click through on the headline to see the complete breakdown of answers to last week’s poll.

In some high-profile recent accidents, emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) have failed to activate or their signals were obscured. The technology has existed for some time to track individual aircraft by satellite. Should we scrap ELTs in favor of satellite tracking?

Last Week's Question: Results

Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question yourself, and then you can view real-time results.

What's On Your Mind?

Have an idea for a new "Question of the Week"?
Send your suggestions to.

NOTE: This address is only for suggested "QOTW" questions, and not for "QOTW" answers or comments. (Use this form to send "QOTW" comments to our AVmail Editor.)