I had a thought regarding emergent communications. Considering that the use of a ELTs and personal beacons can sometimes take considerable time to rescue after being activated.

This is predicated on the fact that emergency communications take precedence on any frequency.

Irregardless of where you are, there are usually aircraft, even high altitude jets. As you are on the ground and can see them, they are line of sight. The use of a portable Aircraft Nav/com radio will allow you to contact such aircraft and either declare an emergency or have them let SAR of your situation and location.

Even at an altitude of 35,000 feet, the radio would let you communicate with aircraft overhead.

Such radios as the Yaesu FTA-550AA NAV/COM Aviation Radio can be had for $199, uses 6 AA batteries and transmites 5 watts on the aircraft band. (Roughly 108-136Mhz.)

See: https://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/yaesu-fta-550aa-airband-transceiver.html

Many aircraft as a matter of safety "guard" or moniter the aircraft emergency freq of 121.5. Barring that, knowing what ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) you are in, can give you the frequency the aircraft are likely on.

See Generally: https://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/air-traffic-control/air-route-traffic-control-center

Without going into all the details, it should be easy to reach such aircraft, or any SAR aircraft that might be in the area.

While not necessarily optimal, short of having a satellite phone, It could be the next best thing. It would greatly shorten your rescue time in the Continental US of A.

And no, you are not required to have a license if you only use the transmitter in an emergent situation.

WesleyH
K0WHH