An overlooked add-on capability of some PLBs lets you send "I'm OK" messages.
http://406link.com/ Every message shortens the internal battery life, so you need to use these messages sparingly. If I had this capability I would only use it (very rarely) to request a retrieve from a landout when my cell phone did not work and there was no landline close at hand. I think it is better to use a SPOT/INREACH for the "I'm OK" function and save the PLB battery for the real distress call that MUST succeed.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2014 10:07:00 AM UTC-4, Nick Kennedy wrote:
Newbie PLB questions:

Do you turn the unit on before you take off?

No.



If not, how long might it take to boot up and acquire a GPS position fix?


This would depend on the model. Consult manufacturer. I think it is pretty fast and other factors will probably dominate your decision. The ResQLink has a short whip antenna (that you can deploy one handed in the cockpit, it is worthwhile to practice this in the dark.) The antenna and the 5 watt transmit pulse are two of the things that makes the distress call more likely to get through. The unit will at times send a distress signal without a GPS fix, then issue a second signal when it acquires a fix. As pointed out earlier, the unit only transmits when it can see a SARS satellite (so it does not waste battery).



Hypothetical situation: I'm landing out in a bad area, I have no radio contact with anyone, where I think I may get hurt. Can you press the Send Help button and then if you are OK after your dicey landing cancel the send help message you sent out?

The only way to cancel the 'help' message would be to talk with the agency that is coordinating the rescue (or ask your proxy to do that via cellphone). They attempt to contact you to confirm the request for help. You might use the 406link.com to send an "I'm OK" to cancel the distress call. Or you could send the "I'm OK" on your SPOT/INREACH if you carry one.

The implicit contract with PLBs is that you reasonably exhaust all possibilities of 'self-rescue' before issuing the 'distress call'.

If you knew you were going to 'truly crash land' in trees or rough terrain, or remote and far from roads, I think it would be 'reasonable' to send the distress signal before landing, even if you were out of contact to cancel it later. I say this because 'walking out' in remote areas is sometimes not a reasonable option. It is better to stay with the glider. If the SARS decided that my call was unreasonable, I'd be willing to 'take the heat'.



I would hate send out the Please Help Me signal, get the system in gear, and then a few minutes later find out I'm OK.


I would also hate to crash, get knocked unconscious and not be able to hit the button.. whats the protocol here?

That is a possibility and it is why a SPOT/INREACH tracking is a prudent accessory.

PLBs do ONE THING extremely well, but they do not supersede SPOT/INREACH.