SSA Creates National Sailplane Tracker List - Free to SSA Members

On Oct 8, 1:57*pm, Frank wrote:
Last August, a sailplane failed to return after a 'local' cross-
country flight in Idaho. The search area was limited due to poor
soaring weather, but the wreckage and the deceased pilot still weren't
found until late the next day. *One of the things that came out of the
R.A.S discussion about this accident was a suggestion that a public
repository of personal satellite trackers be created so that if a
tracker-equipped sailplane failed to return, it would be possible to
quickly access their tracking information and dramatically shorten SAR
response time.

As a result of this discussion, the SSA has now created a national
sailplane tracker repository as a free service for SSA members. *If
you have a SPOT satellite tracker or APRS (ham radio) unit with web-
based mapping capability, you can now 'register' your pertinent
tracking information on your SSA member profile, and the information
will show up on the SSA Sailplane Tracker page (http://ssa.org/
myhome.asp?mbr=6867486834). *The tracker list is sortable by name,
glider ID, registration number, and state. *A link on the right-hand
side of the SSA home page is available to members or non members
alike.

The loss of Theirry Thys last August was a loss for all soaring, and a
tragedy for those left behind as well. *Hopefully this new service
which was the direct result of an ad-hoc group of dedicated SSA
volunteers, will help the next time.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please
contact the SSA's Sailplane Tracker volunteer committee (http://
ssa.org/members/governance/VolunteersDetail.asp?group=74) or contact
me directly. *It is our hope that this new SSA service will be widely
used by U.S. pilots, and maybe something similar set up by other
national bodies.

TA

Any reason 406 MHz PLB/ELT ESN was not included as well?

Obviously the rescue coordination center knows if a 406 MHz ELT/PLB is
activated and should know who owns it but it is useful for others
involved in the rescue to know quickly if the pilot has a PLB or ELT.


Darryl