Spidertracks
launches next-generation aircraft tracking system
New Zealand-based aircraft tracking company
Spidertracks this week launched its next-generation aircraft emergency
location system, designed specifically for GA pilots and operators.
Spidertracks says its Aviator service—in conjunction with a new
on-board device, the S3—is a complete aircraft locating solution, with
automatic activation and tracking from takeoff to landing.
The company’s aircraft location system
has been paired with a new social networking-based website allowing
pilots to share their flights and their love of flying with other
aviators.
Spidertracks marketing manager Rachel
Donald says Aviator is primarily an emergency location system designed
to improve the survivability of pilots and crew in an accident
situation. “You can’t rely on your ELT to survive the crash and
transmit,” she said.
“The records show ELTs fail to transmit
in the majority of aircraft accidents because the units or the aerials
are damaged in the crash.
“When the ELT doesn’t work searchers are reliant on your flight plan
or last known radar position,” she continued. “The search area could
be huge. We don’t think that is acceptable.”
When using Spidertracks’ S3 device and
the Aviator service, position reports are sent from the aircraft via the
Iridium satellite network to the company’s website. It will
automatically send emergency SOS messages within minutes of an accident,
with guaranteed reliability because the alerts are generated by the
system, not the hardware in the aircraft.
Access to the Aviator website is free and
open to pilots who aren’t Spidertracks customers but who want to
follow other pilots.
The S3 will retail at $995 and
Spidertracks is offering new pricing plans to suit the number of hours
pilots fly. To learn more, visit Spidertracks in Booth 3133 during EAA
AirVenture 2010 or online at www.SpiderTracks.com.
FUTURE AIRVENTURE
DATES: 2014: July 28-Aug. 3;
2015: July 27-Aug. 2
