NOTE: For the purposes of this article "Spot Tracker" refers to any GPS tracking device.
Many pilots are now flying with SPOT Trackers to allow their friends and family to follow along in their adventures. The biggest benefit of having a SPOT Tracker is to assist search and rescue in the event that you are in danger or require rescue.
Furthermore if you use Nav Canada's CFPS page for online flight planning you can insert your spot tracking link into your master flight plan. It is important to note that the entries in this part of the flight plan form, along with Fuel on board, survival equipment, lifejackets etc., are primarily for the use of Search and Rescue. The RCC will access the Spot Tracker information provided in the flight plan and use that information for their operations. The FIC does not access Spot information, or use it in any operational capacity.
It is important to note that a tracking device is only useful if it is turned on for the duration of your flight and the batteries are in good health. Consider making turning on and off your tracker part of your aircraft checklist.
In your SPOT account you can customize the SOS message that will be sent to the command centre in the event that you activate the SOS feature on the tracker.
Here is an idea of a customized message that you might consider putting into this feature to assist in your own rescue:
(Feel free to copy it with your relevant info)
***
This SPOT is used in an aircraft. When SOS is received from this unit, call the Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre 250-363-2333 or 800-567-5111 and tell them this is an aircraft distress call for (INSERT AIRCRAFT IDENT)
Aircraft Info:(INSERT AIRCRAFT TYPE) Colour: (INSERT AIRCRAFT COLOUR)
The pilot of this aircraft will be:
(INSERT PILOT NAME) Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX (Not allergic to any meds, Blood Type X+)
The emergency contact is (INSERT EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME) Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX)
***
The BC General Aviation Association website also has a dedicated page were you can share your SPOT tracking link with other members to share your adventure. Sharing your SPOT link on the BCGA page also gives us a place to look and possibly assist if you are reported overdue.
Many pilots are now flying with SPOT Trackers to allow their friends and family to follow along in their adventures. The biggest benefit of having a SPOT Tracker is to assist search and rescue in the event that you are in danger or require rescue.
Furthermore if you use Nav Canada's CFPS page for online flight planning you can insert your spot tracking link into your master flight plan. It is important to note that the entries in this part of the flight plan form, along with Fuel on board, survival equipment, lifejackets etc., are primarily for the use of Search and Rescue. The RCC will access the Spot Tracker information provided in the flight plan and use that information for their operations. The FIC does not access Spot information, or use it in any operational capacity.
It is important to note that a tracking device is only useful if it is turned on for the duration of your flight and the batteries are in good health. Consider making turning on and off your tracker part of your aircraft checklist.
In your SPOT account you can customize the SOS message that will be sent to the command centre in the event that you activate the SOS feature on the tracker.
Here is an idea of a customized message that you might consider putting into this feature to assist in your own rescue:
(Feel free to copy it with your relevant info)
***
This SPOT is used in an aircraft. When SOS is received from this unit, call the Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre 250-363-2333 or 800-567-5111 and tell them this is an aircraft distress call for (INSERT AIRCRAFT IDENT)
Aircraft Info:(INSERT AIRCRAFT TYPE) Colour: (INSERT AIRCRAFT COLOUR)
The pilot of this aircraft will be:
(INSERT PILOT NAME) Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX (Not allergic to any meds, Blood Type X+)
The emergency contact is (INSERT EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME) Cell: XXX-XXX-XXXX)
***
The BC General Aviation Association website also has a dedicated page were you can share your SPOT tracking link with other members to share your adventure. Sharing your SPOT link on the BCGA page also gives us a place to look and possibly assist if you are reported overdue.
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