GPS Tracking Devices Can Aid Small Aircraft
Small Aircraft can be Difficult to Find in Crashes
GPS Tracking is a Perfect Fit for Small Planes
We hear too many stories of small planes that take off and disappear from the sky and end up in horrific crashes. One that captured attention recently happened in rural Montana.
In this case, antiquated equipment hindered the locating of the aircraft. It was a 1968 Piper plane and while they can be outfitted with newer technology, the owners decided against it leaving the plane with an older technology locator beacon which is only helpful at very close range.
Second Guessing
While playing ‘what if’ is very easy in these situations, the obvious questions are asked because they bring up valid points. GPS Tracking is perfect for smaller aircraft and the sooner there is a law requiring them in all aircraft of this size, the better.
GPS Tracking does not depend upon close proximity to be able to obtain a signal. Finding one is as easy as bringing up a web page on the Internet.
Active Tracking All of the Time. Using a near-real time GPS Tracking device is the way to help track and recover from these types of incidents. These devices are hardy and withstand strong forces. Plus, placing them in the structure of the aircraft where they are less likely to take the brunt of a crash will help, too. And, using one that has its own internal battery will allow the unit to continue to emit a signal should the main power become cut or shut off.
Filing a Flight Plan is not a Safety Measure. Although flight plans are still required, they should not be used as a safety and/or recovery measure for small craft flights. Evidenced by this crash and others like it, when planes crash in rural areas it takes a massive effort to discover the exact location. And, the time that it takes lessens the chance that if there are survivors, they can be found in time to save them from further worsening of their injuries that incurred in the accident.
Cell Phones can Assist, but Not All of the Time. Smartphones are being used more than ever because of their GPS enabled abilities. However, these phones are subject to loss of signal from cell phone towers in remote areas, and the GPS part of the phones rely on those signals to help GPS to be able to ‘home’ in on the signal. They are just not as reliable as a dedicated GPS Tracking system.
GPS Tracking As a Primary and Backup
GPS Makes the Most Sense. That is why placing a GPS Tracking device in smaller aircraft makes sense. Plus, this way there will be a back-up to all other devices that provide the same service. There is nothing better than having more than one option in an emergency.
Tags: Aircraft, back-up, beacon, GPS Tracking, internet, Perfect, phones, Planes, Technology
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