Hi Gang
Having used a Spot for some time now I agree that it is almost an
essential safety item for XC either in a glider or power plane. All
modern power planes require not only the use of an ELT but also that
the ELT can be operated from a control on the instrument panel or
equivalent so that if you are going to have an emergency landing you
can actuate the ELT before the landing and not rely on the G forces to
trigger it. I have this on my Jabiru J250 LSA. I also take and operate
my Spot on all flights whether in the LSA or in a glider. I set the
Spot to the tracking mode so that it sends out messages every 10
minutes. My wife and a couple of close friends have my Spot user name
and password so that they can either track a flight in real time or
bring up a flight later if they so wish.
I have not found any significant problems with the Spot system. It
works! If Steve Fossett had used a Spot he would have been found
(assuming he wanted to be found) and for its low cost, simplicity and
ruggedness I consider to be an
essential piece of safety equipment. I won't fly without it. Don't
procrastinate you pilots just go and buy one. Could be one of the best
investments you might ever make?
Dave