Personal Locator Beacon

[Tony_Fletcher]

I had a Aircraft Spruce giftcard from Christmas so I ordered the ResQLink+™ PLB

It came with a free strobe light as a promotion.

Two professional grade products that I hope I never need.

 

[DeeG]

While I agree it is important to understand the limitations of the SPOT, the incident posted above is the only failure I have heard of one when the 911 button was pressed. And even then It sounds like it narrowed the search area down to within 1000' which is plenty close enough for me. Actually much better than a Non-GPS enabled PLB or 406 elt.


Brian

Brian, the only signal we got from SPOT put him on the ridge. He was never on the ridge. He was 6 km north west of that ridge, 1300' down in the drainage. If the SPOT hadn't of crapped out on him, we would have been able to see that he was on the move. Would have made things soooo much easier.

 

[Silvaire]

...Actually much better than a Non-GPS enabled PLB...

Possibly, and I'm not bashing SPOT here, but it is completely dependent on obtaining a GPS signal. Without it the unit is worthless. The PLB's use the COPAS/SARSAT system which can pinpoint your position using doppler without a GPS fix. It just takes a bit longer, something like 90 minutes. So if you are in a spot (pun intended) where you can't get a GPS fix for one reason or another you can chalk up another + on the PLB side.

 

[brcase]

Brian, the only signal we got from SPOT put him on the ridge. He was never on the ridge. He was 6 km north west of that ridge, 1300' down in the drainage. If the SPOT hadn't of crapped out on him, we would have been able to see that he was on the move. Would have made things soooo much easier.

Thanks that makes a little more sense. Although I think it should pretty much be assumed that SPOT's are not near as good when Moving, for one unless he was wearing it on his Hat it is difficult to keep it upright with a clear view of he sky while moving. I suspect that is a lot of the problem with people wanting to get accruate tracking (breadcrumb trails) from them as well.

Brian

 

[brcase]

Possibly, and I'm not bashing SPOT here, but it is completely dependent on obtaining a GPS signal. Without it the unit is worthless. The PLB's use the COPAS/SARSAT system which can pinpoint your position using doppler without a GPS fix. It just takes a bit longer, something like 90 minutes. So if you are in a spot (pun intended) where you can't get a GPS fix for one reason or another you can chalk up another + on the PLB side.

True, but from what I understand without the GPS the PLB/406 ELT location can only be narrowed down to about 5km (3 miles)

Brian

 

[brcase]

The State of Idaho Bureau of Aeronautics has done a bit of research on SPOTs and PLB's what the actually have found is the the most common issue in an accident is the device being knocked loose and thrown to a location where it is difficult or impossible to activate it.
One incident where it was thrown to the floor of the aircraft and the pilot was injured to badly to reach it. The other where it was thrown clear of the aircraft and the pilot spent about 2 hours searching through tall grass to locate it so he could activate it.

Brian

 

[silver-eagle]

The State of Idaho Bureau of Aeronautics has done a bit of research on SPOTs and PLB's what the actually have found is the the most common issue in an accident is the device being knocked loose and thrown to a location where it is difficult or impossible to activate it.
One incident where it was thrown to the floor of the aircraft and the pilot was injured to badly to reach it. The other where it was thrown clear of the aircraft and the pilot spent about 2 hours searching through tall grass to locate it so he could activate it.

Brian

Sounds like one of the selling points for ONSTAR.
.
Buy the PLBs for the people and the SPOT for the plane. If you really want breadcrumbs, file and activate a flight plan and get flight following. It's not perfect but apparently, neither is SPOT.

 

[alfadog]

Replacing the PLB battery is $40 and shipping back to the maker (at least for mine).

I have a 406 unit with GPS - An ACR Aqualink. I have it in my flight bag. I put it in my SAR vest if I'm flying over water.

I got it as opposed to SPOT because I wanted something that was designed for SAR, that notifies the AFRCC, and is built robustly.

It, like many other things in my survival gear, is something I never hope to use. But I'm glad that I have it.

I also carry an ACR 406 PLB, in my case an older ResQFix. I routinely fly over the Everglades where there are no cell towers. If I went down 20 miles from the nearest road, I might be SOL without a reliable means of contacting emergency personnel. I can think of few instances where I would want to trust a cell phone with my rescue. You might want to trust your airplane's radios and ELT and if you think that has you covered then go for it but if you want a more assured means of bringing the chopper then the 406 PLB with GPS is the best way. I understand the SPOT has some functionality but also that it is easily blocked by forest canopy (obviously not an issue in the 'Glades) and may have other issues.

Oh, a new battery in mine is well over $100 and I see that I am pretty much needing one; it expired two days ago :-(

 

[AdamZ]

The State of Idaho Bureau of Aeronautics has done a bit of research on SPOTs and PLB's what the actually have found is the the most common issue in an accident is the device being knocked loose and thrown to a location where it is difficult or impossible to activate it.
One incident where it was thrown to the floor of the aircraft and the pilot was injured to badly to reach it. The other where it was thrown clear of the aircraft and the pilot spent about 2 hours searching through tall grass to locate it so he could activate it.

Brian

I recall an adage about rescue gear, forget what kind but basically it said if you aren't wearing it, it's luggage. I'd think when I get a PLB. It would be kept in a jacket or vest pocket or hung around my neck.

 

[Silvaire]

True, but from what I understand without the GPS the PLB/406 ELT location can only be narrowed down to about 5km (3 miles)

Brian

The PLB's also put out a 121.5 Mhz signal that can be used to further pinpoint location once the general area is known but my main point was that if SPOT can't obtain a GPS fix it would be completely non-functional because that satellite system is not capable of locating with Doppler. Your only hope would be if you had been using tracking they could use your last known position but again, it's another layer - were you paying the fee and using tracking? Was it functioning? How long before you are noticed missing and someone checks?

If you don't mind spending the money, and it's not that much - $150/year - the SPOT is a cool little gadget but I would get a PLB first and use the SPOT as a supplement.

And, as noted above, I carry my PLB on my person. The McMurdo will fit in your pocket.

 

[ClimbnSink]

a split between soaring and power pilots.

 

[Henning]

and if you don't require a marine unit (one that floats and can endure extended submersion) I recommend the McMurdo FastFind. It's a unit that truly can be carried comfortably in your pocket.

In my opinion the "I'm okay" message and tracking features of SPOT are over rated novelties and marketing has led both into a realm of over-use. For one thing, if you are flying you need to stop for gas periodically and a simple text from a cellphone can assure your "tracker" that you are on schedule. The second point is that if you are constantly sending these "OK" messages and Google Map bread crumb trails it's possible to inadvertently create a false alarm when the unit goes down for any reason whatsoever.

In contrast the PLB is a tool with a specific function, it's not a gadget to be played with. Even in an emergency you should exhaust all other options such as cellphone or walking to the nearby farmhouse prior to activating the PLB. It's the last option and as such it's something that you want the utmost reliability from.

Not me, mine is getting actuated before I touch the ground so I know it's broadcasting while I'm still conscious.

 

[Silvaire]

Not me, mine is getting actuated before I touch the ground so I know it's broadcasting while I'm still conscious.

If I were in a 310 that would be my plan A too but I figure in a Champ, if there's 100 yards of flat open ground below it's going to be a non-event. I see your point though, why be reserved? If you land safely and there's cellphone service the first thing SAR is going to do is try call you on your phone anyway.

 

[Henning]

If I were in a 310 that would be my plan A too but I figure in a Champ, if there's 100 yards of flat open ground below it's going to be a non-event. I see your point though, why be reserved? If you land safely and there's cellphone service the first thing SAR is going to do is try call you on your phone anyway.

Same as declaring an emergency, if in doubt, call in the cavalry; they need the practice if nothing else. I was coming into LGB with an engine feathered and he asked if I wanted the equipment 'hell yeah, I might just screw this up. Funny thing about that Champ, it's so slow, it'll just barely kill you. If you're really having a situation, no one will begrudge you turning it on at 2500' on your way in. Besides, once you're down, you may never get the chance to trigger it, that's why a PLB can't replace an ELT.