EPIRB, Transceivers, and Choppers
Walter Johnson in BATUSA (batusa@arn.net)
Mon, 11 Aug 1997 17:03:58 -0500
How y'all are?
Regarding recent 'discussions' about EPIRB/radio, use, legality,
effectiveness in GC. I just got off the phone (like 5 minutes ago) with
an FAA official in the Southwestern United States. Told him of the
discussions regarding emergency rescue and boaters in GC.
"There was a rescue today. (and he's not within 500 miles of the
GC) A chopper was called in for an evacuation. Some organizations 'p&m'
(my term, a Walterism; not his) about noise and corridor overflights, but
when, "ole #1" needs something, it is one of those same 'noisemakers' that
are sought out for assistance," he said.
When I asked him about the EPIRBs, he stated that ones on the 406
frequency could only be read by satallite, and that, at present none of
the rescue agencies could 'read' the stallites, but had to download the
information and then plot the L&L. While beacons on the VHS 121.5
aircraft frequency could be read by any overflights.
"What I would do, is take a portable aircraft transceiver with
multiple frequency capabilities of 121.95, 122.85, and 127.05. These
cover the entire length of the Grand Canyon." "Which would you take, if
you were going?" I asked, (testing him). "When I went, I took a
transceiver. With a beacon you don't know, for sure, if you've been
received (like 'all talk and no listen'). With a transceiver, the
situation can be determined and best means of dispatch decided. Both
parties know what is needed, and should be done." He, at my asking, named
off four of the more popular transceiver brands: NARCO, ICOM I-20, TERRA,
and KING KX99. "And for your next question: $195 to $600 in that same
order," he added. "Each of my vehicles has one of the less expensive
models in the glove box; particularly in the winter time when my family is
with me." He said he would seriously doubt any 'frowns' as long as "stump
dumb" (my term) abuses were not broadcast.
And in conclusion, he liked my joke about the man who took his
wife to Nepal for their 25th Anniversay. Asked what about the 50th?
"Gonna go get her."
Anyone know where I can download a month by month weather records
report, including mean air temperature (d & n) and rainfall, for the GC,
down in the ditch at water level?
Y'all be hang'n tough 'til the fat lady sings,
(#1 Finest Kind)
Walter Johnson in BATUSA (BeautifulAmarilloTexasUSA)
Rotary--Amarillo High--Texas Tech--Cowboys---Yankees
USS CURRITUCK(AV7)--USS EVERGLADES(AD24)--ASSN TORP MATES
11TH REUNION SAN DIEGO SEPT 24-28,'97 ('98 Charleston SC)
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