[tophat9000]

So the satellite sends out a “Hello” packet... wonder if its a general multcast type hello to all aircraft on net and each aircraft id itself in its reply..because this case is so so strange I'm wondering if someone would “spoof” that aircraft to make people think it was still in the air

[ully2]

The transponder is shut off with a switch by pilots, the ACARS system requires a breaker to be pulled in the lower electonics bay, it reqires some knowledge.