Flight Training - January/February 2025 - 32

Plan
In an ideal world we would all file a flight plan on
every flight and follow that plan exactly as filed. Having
someone look for you quickly after you miss your
arrival time, and knowing exactly the route to look,
would be a big leg up in helping find you in case you
don't make it to your destination. But honest talk here:
Filing, activating, and canceling flight plans is a pain.
Digital tools have made it easier, but there are other
modern tools to help supplement the search.
Like a good hike into the wilderness, tell someone
where you are going, how long it's going to take you to
get there, and in what aircraft you are flying. Not only
does this give some agency to partners, parents, and
other loved ones, they can alert emergency services
nearly as quickly as flight service will. Don't forget
an initial conversation on how to use that flight
information, including whom to call in case they
don't hear from you.
There are other, more automated ways of alerting
emergency responders and loved ones to your location.
The most ubiquitous is the emergency locator
transmitter installed on nearly every general aviation
aircraft in the United States. These devices include
a crash sensor that automatically detects an impact
and then transmits a signal on a monitored frequency.
Newer versions transmit on 406 MHz, while
older versions transmit on 121.5 MHz. It's important
to know which is in your aircraft because emergency
services no longer monitor 121.5. Some pilots do, and
they can relay a signal, but no one will automatically
come looking for you if it starts transmitting. By
contrast, the newer 406 MHz versions send a signal
that's monitored by satellite, which prompts an
emergency response. Better still, a unit hooked into
the aircraft's GPS can further pinpoint your location.
Many aircraft have panel-mounted activation
buttons. Learn how to use yours, and make sure you
teach your passengers as well.
Similar to an ELT, personal locator beacons are
handheld satellite-monitored devices that will
pinpoint your position in the case of an accident.
The downside is that they have to be manually
activated, but the upside is that you can take them in
the airplane, hiking, on the water, or wherever you
need a watchful eye.
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FLIGHT TRAINING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025
Less expensive products perform a similar function.
Transmitters from Spot, Garmin, and others are
cheaper to buy, but require a subscription. They also
use different satellite networks that provide more
international coverage. And they have tracking features
that drop pins as you fly, letting someone follow
you as you go.
Finally, some watches, such as those from Apple
and Garmin, provide a range of safety features,
including tracking, crash detection, and more.
Act
Once you get to the airplane, transition to the safety
mindset by briefing your passengers on the use of
doors, windows, emergency exits, seat belts, and
any other emergency tools like the ELT. It may feel
tedious, but we're all used to the airline safety briefing.
Doing your own will instill confidence in your
passengers. If your aircraft has shoulder harnesses,
Taking stock of your situation
and coming to terms with it
are essential to having the
right survival mindset.
Flight Training - January/February 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - January/February 2025
