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Help your SPOT Tracker Help You!

12/31/2017

4 Comments

 
Picture
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.

BCGA Spot Tracking Page
4 Comments
Michael
1/20/2018 10:07:46 am

SPOT USERS - As a spot user I have noticed that although the light is blinking and the unit appears to be working, IT IS POSSIBLE YOU AREN'T TRACKING. After two such events, I have been told by SPOT customer service that the batteries may be low enough for the device to be unable to get the signal through. This is a major flaw in that unless you do a pre flight test, you cannot know for sure it is reporting your position. ALWAYS do a preflight test to make sure your position report is operational by sending a message to yourself or someone and verifying it's delivery.It's just a paperweight if when you need it, it's giving you the false impression help is on the way !

Reply
Ryan grendus
1/21/2018 10:22:00 pm

I have recently started using the inreach device and on the last flight from CYPK to CYHE it did not report very consistently even though it had been set to give a pos. report every 10 min it. It reported once when first activated and mostly only on the return trip...could this be due to line of sight through the windscreen?

Aside from that I'm just becoming a BCGA member and am v. Impressed at how many resources there are for GA pilots including the ability to post our flights via the spot/inreach etc. Looking forward to seeing what BCGA has in store as i see the whole picture of the organization.


Ryan G.

Reply
Sean Smith
3/23/2018 10:17:39 am

Include your own email in the list of recipients that the "Custom Message" broadcasts to. If you have a data plan on your phone, then you will see your own Custom Message show up, and you can be assured that the SPOT system is working, and others will also know you are setting out on a flight.

Tio #2 - the position link that is automatically included in the Custom Message is NOT your track points, it is only the location you were at when you sent the Custom Message. You need to include the link to the track points separately. However as the limit on the number of characters in the Custom message is pretty short, you cannot include the full link. Use a TinyURL link instead, this is much shorter. (copy your tracking page link, go to TinyURL.com, and it will generate a short URL for you)

Reply
Jeff Godfrey
10/31/2019 11:41:53 am

I have had really good luck with my spot. BUT ONLY IF I place it on the glare shield on the south side of my plane. That seems to be really important for its ability to ping and for family to therefore follow you.

Reply



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