The iPad actually has the required items to make an good ELT:
1) Continuous GPS Position – whilst using our favorite apps.
2) Accelerometers – to sense the impact, pressure sensor to detect rapid pressure change etc.
3) Mobile Connection – to report position and other information.
I suspect the iPad won’t even need to hit the ground, it could push a message if it ‘anticipates’ an accident and then send a cancel message if it doesn’t happen. One just needs a single message with GPS co-ordinates to go out not a radiating beacon…
Would this work?
ELTs are used to help locate you if you crash somewhere remote. If you crash into the market square, you don’t need an ELT to alert the services. Therefore I would assume there would be a high correlation between “ELT actually provides value” and “iPad has no connection”.
Personally I think ELTs are superfluous and should be installed at the operator’s discretion.
ELTs are used to help locate you if you crash
Don’t you mean ELTs help locate the crash… PLBs help locate you 
