Cospas / Sarsat

[Vage Rot]

Crewed in the other night to hear a SARBE on 243.0 - nothing particularly unusual seing as the MoD has failed to buy us a new beacon yet. However, ATC confirmed that SARSAT had located the beacon at ISK! Now, that is unusual as SARSAT etc was supposed to have been turned off a wee while back.

So, is it all still functioning? Are we panicing for nothing, flying around hundreds of miles from anywhere with only a single EPIRB between 12 of us? (Assuming we have no more than 2 jets airborne, otherwise the third crew gets a smoke signal kit and an "I'm here!" inflatable crocodile.

Seriously though, does anyone know if 243.0 SARSAT etc still works or was ATC perhaps talking B0ll0cks and it was good old land-based triangulation that found it?

And come clean - which Tincano mate set it off!!!!!:D

[detgnome]

I wouldn't worry too much about only one EPIRB for the crew (as long as it works) as this is the same situation as most other operators. Not many have individual 406 beacons, although that may change.
Do remember that terminal homing is not carried out on 406 (it only transmits every 50 secs or so) but will still be done on 121.5/243. Can't help you out with the SARSAT question I'm afraid though....

[FarWest]

See COSPAS SARSAT website at 121.5 Phase-Out (http://www.cospas-sarsat.org/FirstPage/121.5PhaseOut.htm)

FarWest

[rb199]

Why not just pop to ARCC were the MCC is located and ask them? I would recon if anybody knows it will be them!!!

[vecvechookattack]

one EPIRB for the crew

You lucky buggers.... We don't have 1 EPIRB between the entire force.

[VinRouge]

Thats cos you are in the desert and dont need one!

Dont see many wookas over the pond!