There is a use for the kid's IM skilz:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Plane_Crash_Wireless.html
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Plane_Crash_Wireless.html
Authorities could not say why the text messaging worked when communication by voice was blocked, but noted they operate on different bandwidths. Officials also cited the mountainous terrain.