LML Gang,
Some of you already have discovered and purchased one of the
new 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). I recently purchased one
myself and have become so convinced of the effectiveness of these devices in
precisely locating a person in need of rescue that I have become a dealer for
the ACR AeroFix 406.
For those of you that are unfamiliar with these devices,
they are basically an ELT that transmits on the standard 121.5 MHz plus another
signal on 406 MHz. Each beacon has a unique identifier code that you
register with NOAA. Some models of these units also have a built-in GPS
receiver so when you set one off it transmits your unique identifier code and
your precise location via the GPS to the search and rescue satellites.
Your standard aircraft 121.5 MHz ELT gives the search and rescue teams an
accuracy of about 12-15nm and all directions – that’s a lot of
area. The new PLBs with GPS gives an accuracy of less than 100 yards!
BTW, this is not just for use in your airplane. I carry mine with me
whenever we go on long car road trips, snowmobiling, hiking in the mountains,
boating, etc. The device is small and fits in the palm of your hand like
a walkie-talkie.
For more information on the satellite system visit: http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/. You
can also get more information on the AeroFix 406 devices at: http://www.acrelectronics.com/aerofix/default.html.
The AeroFix comes in two models:
- AeroFix 406 GPS I/O –
Includes a built-in GPS. This is the only one I will sell.
- AeroFix 406 GPS I – Has no
built-in GPS but you can feed GPS coordinates into it from another GPS –
Not what you want to do in an emergency.
These devices list for $725. Sporty’s sells them
for $699. I normally sell them locally here in Colorado for $649. I want to put
together a group purchase for LML members and can do it for $599 plus $10
shipping to the lower 48.
If you want to be a part of this group purchase, please
e-mail me at olsen25@comcast.net. I
will collect all requests and plan to place the group order on June 15th.
I’ll ship them out as soon as I get them – usually just a few days
later. So, you should have them by about 6/24. If you have any
other questions about this feel free to e-mail me as well.
Best Regards,
Dan Olsen
LNC2 – N320DK
Fort Collins, CO (KFNL)