Originally Posted by
Karijini49
A far cheaper solution is the SPOT Messenger
The majority of gliders carry them and many GA aircraft. No certification required, just like mobile phones.
A slightly more expensive option is the Garmin Delorme unit which even allows you to send text messages via the Iridium network.
I am paranoid and carry one of each in my motorglider at all times flying all over remote areas of Australia.
Quite. You can’t be paranoid enough!
While the Garmin inReach device is more expensive than the Spot device, the picture may turn around when you take data subscription costs into consideration. For the Garmin, you find several third party Value added services (VAS) providers, offering a variety of flexible data plans available.
Garmin inReach doesn’t only allow to send free-text messages, but most importantly allows 2-way communication. You know whether your message was received, and your people can tell you that they will come out and help.
L’espoir fait vivre.