On Monday, March 31, 2014 5:23:13 PM UTC-7, darrylr wrote:
On Monday, March 31, 2014 4:35:42 PM UTC-7, Brian wrote:

My search didn't reveal a recent discussion of whats currently available in PLB's.







W&W shows two...



Kannad XS-4



Fast find 220 PLB







What are the advantages of each?







Are there other better ones?







Seems like the biggest issue is that when the battery life is up you essentially have to buy a new one as it costs almost as much to replace the battery as a new PLB costs. Are there better options?







Brian



Yes the battery replacement cost can be an issue, and often time to just buy a new unit.



You should look over the models you mentioned and the ACR ones that Dan pointed to. I've carried the McMurdo Fast Find but again, look at the product specs yourself. And what features you want may depend on if you also have a InReach or a SPOT.



I really just wanted to mention one issue and that is make sure the thing is properly attached to your parachute harness. There have been cases of folks attaching PLBs and SPOTs etc. to the harnesses in very bad ways. Alan Silver at Silver parachutes has written about this, and he also makes a nice pack that will hold many PLBs (or it it won't fit yours ask him about a custom one). See http://www.silverparachutes.com/smak-pak-survival-kits.



When you register the beacon with NOAA make sure you mention it is used in a glider and provide the glider type, N number and contest number. I also gave phone numbers for FBOs I frequently flew with. If you also carry a SPOT or InReach mention that as well so the SAR folks know to try to look there as well. Have a transponder, mention that as well. Then write up a note for your family, club/FBO, friends, fellow pilots etc. that describes the glider, describe all the SAR and tracking stuff in your glider, survival gear carried, mentions you have a parachute (or not) with the PLB attached to the parachute, include all the devices ID's, where to track you, and what they should do if concerned or aware you are in distress. Any known medical issues include it there. A brief sheet that is easy to email or fax to a Sheriff's office/SAR team without the folks who you may need to relying on having to think too much about it.



Darryl

http://www.craggyaero.com/elt.htm

Richard
www.craggyaero.com