RE: FM or PCM ?
Cost and method of transmitting the signal. PCM costs more. Unless you fly in a HIGHLY congested area, PCM isn't worth it. The fail-safe usually provided with PCM systems MAY save your plane, and it may not, too. Most planes can fly through intermittent interference. Constant interference will shoot down any radio system. I've been flying FM for over 25 years, and never been shot down.
Dr.1