Over the last few months I’ve casually researched the availability of a VFR flight tracking service (a service that would allow those on the ground to monitor the progress of the flight in the air).
It seems the airlines have this cased with high end tracking systems, and even most general aviation IFR flights can be tracked using specialized services such as FlightAware (although their Canadian coverage is less than adequate). However, until now, it appears that a gap has existed in the general aviation VFR market.
Introducing SPOT .
I discovered SPOT in an article published by Aviation Consumer in June 2008 (and a reader response in July 2008) where it was presented as a potential alternative to ELTs/PLBs. SPOT is described as “the world’s first satellite messenger”. In short, it finds your latitude and longitude via an on-board GPS. With this information, it performs four different functions.
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Tracking – Every ten minutes it will send your coordinates to the SPOT server, and pin your location on an Internet map (powered by Google Maps™) that you share with family and friends, in advance, so they may see your progress in real-time.
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OK Message – At your discretion you may hit the “OK” button to send a pre-defined “everything’s OK” e-mail and/or text message to a list of recipients. Great to let those who care know that everything is OK.
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HELP Message – At your discretion you may hit the “HELP” button to send a pre-defined “HELP” e-mail and/or text message to a list of recipients. Great if you find yourself in a non life threatening situation that you can’t get out of yourself. Those who care about you on the other end of the message will have the information necessary to send appropriate assistance.
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911 – At your discretion you may hit the “911″ button to send the cavalry. This sends your location and distress signal to an Emergency Response Center who ensures the proper response teams are notified (local police, RCMP/state police, coast guard, embassy, etc.).
After some research and discussions with a very accommodating Tim Crosby (National Retail Manager, SPOT), I purchased a unit of my own. My justification was piece of mind for family and I… while in actuality I’m fairly sure I bought it because it was a cool gadget, and I can’t get enough of my cool gadgets.
So far I’ve only had one opportunity to use the device but let me assure you, it did not disappoint. I was on a local CYQR flight (Craven->Regina Beach for anyone familiar with the area). I placed the SPOT device on the dash and, as my flight progressed, my path was plotted on the Internet map for my family and friends to see! I can see this as a great tool for those picking me up at my destination on future cross country flights.
For the relatively low cost, SPOT provides a great piece of mind that help can be obtained even when out of cell phone coverage; in addition to the VFR flight tracking capabilities I’ve been looking for.
If you’ve used SPOT, let me know about it by leaving a comment on this post! If you’ve got questions about SPOT, just ask… it’s not often I get behind a product but this one fills a large void and, all things considered, works very well.
On a side note, here are some pictures from my first flight as a licensed pilot. The brave souls who have now been branded Andrew’s first passengers are my father, sister and Leroi (LFC Hosting’s mascot!).
August 12th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
You pictures remind me of my flight yesterday. I took my niece on her first flight in a small plane to Sandpoint Idaho. First time I had to get a sick bag out for someone. That little fifth grader was a trooper and never had to use it but I sure was nervous.
August 13th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Yes, fortunately my 30-something sister was also able to keep it together. I understand your nervousness