Spot vs Delorme
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spot tracking spot landout delorme

Standing in a Field in Finland after being in the country for less then 8 hours.

 

I drove out of the docks by 9:30 am in Helsinki and drove straight to the Rayskala airport which would be my home for the next month in preparation for the upcoming WGC. I arrived on the airfield just after grid time.

The Contest Director recommend I grid and get some points. Someone volunteered to help, it was Antti Lehto a Finnish National Champion (and finished 2nd at the WGC I was practicing for), who also owned a Cirrus and the rigging went very quick.

I towed onto the grid just as the launch began. I met up with Adam Woolley and the other Australian pilots. We cruised the first few legs, then the weather deteriorated and I found myself in a field.

I haven't been in country for more than 8 hours and I am already in a field. Without a working cell-phone, no clue where I am, a vacant farm house, and I cannot pronounce the name of the airport to get a ride back.

Nobody is on the radio and I had not heard anyone once I got low.

I grab my inReach and send a note to Adam's email and phone. I know he had been receiving emails and iMessages earlier in the week. No prior set up required, just typed it in and hit send.

There was nothing left to do but lay-down and wait. The good news was sunset was not until 10:40 pm and it turns out it never really got dark.

A few hours later Adam shows up with my car and trailer and the month long adventure begins.

 

InReach

  • Garmin acquisition
  • Iridium network
  • Downloadable maps
  • Receive messages
  • Fastest tracking rate
  • Keypad-doesn't rely on Bluetooth
  • Sent message confirmation

Spot Gen3

  • Less expensive unit
  • Less expensive plans
  • Small size
  • 4 AAA
  • Motion activated tracking
  • $100k SAR reimbursements

 

SPOT Gen3

SPOT GEN3® gives you a critical, life–saving line of communication when you travel beyond the boundaries of cell service. The latest generation of award-winning SPOT devices, SPOT Gen3 lets family and friends know you're okay, or if the worst should happen, sends emergency responders your GPS location - all with the push of a button. Add this rugged, pocket–sized device to your essential gear and stay connected wherever you roam. Long Live Adventure!

SPOT uses 100% satellite technology to keep you connected to the people and things that matter most, all while using the world’s most modern satellite network. SPOT offers peace of mind by allowing you to track your assets, send and receive messages, notify friends and family of your GPS position and status, mark waypoints, track your progress on Google Maps™ or notify rescue officials in the event of an emergency.

 

What's in the box

• SPOT GEN3® Device
• Strap
• USB Cable
• Quick Reference Guide
• Carabiner
• Batteries

Banner Photo by Alex Gilles

 

garret willat  Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.