What are your suggestions for overcast daylight signalling that do not
involve fire? No doubt some of us would like to ad a trick or two to our
repertoir.
Jack

If the pilot in the article had been seriously injured, he not only
would not have been able to walk out but quite likely he could easily
have died prior to anyone finding him. The same ability to contact
someone for arranging crew retreival from some remote landout can
also make the difference between life and death in a serious crash.
It is a great idea to carry an ELT, and an even better idea to have
one with voice capability. But it is a misconception to believe that
the ELT signal itself will guarantee a speedy rescue. The satelites
will probably pick up the signal and (some) airliners do monitor
121.5, however it quite probably will be the next day before the CAP
starts any concerted search and rescue efforts. Getting those rescue
efforts started immediately may be much more critical.

Being able to actually talk with someone increases your chances of
a speedy retreive or rescue emensly. Which is why I reccomend the
following for anyone who flies gliders away from the vicinity of
their own airport.

Backup hand held radio (with charged batteries)
GPS (even cheap ones are fine for at least being able to give your
exact coordinates)
Cell phone (if you have one always take it)
ELT (preferably with voice capability)
Land out kit (with water, food, blanket, matches, good signal mirror,
flashlight, strobe light, bug repellent, first aid, etc.

One other item no one has ever mentioned.
12 feet of antennae cable with bnc connectors and a rubber ducky
antennae. If your radio remains operational after an accident but
the antennae cable is broken and unrepairable. Most newer radios
have a bnc connection on the back of the radio. You can unplug the
A/C antennae and plug your spare cable and rubber ducky in for
transmitting. I would also reccomend knowing the enroute ATC
frequency for your area. Airliners fly at high altitude, which
fortunately means it would be unusual to not be able to contact
another pilot for help.

M Eiler