YARMOUTH, Maine – July 28, 2014 – General aviation pilots can now fly safer and get help faster with their inReach satellite communicators linked to Lockheed Martin Flight Services (LMFS).
DeLorme today announced that its inReach satellite communicator is now a supported device for the LMFS Adverse Condition Alerting Service (ACAS) and Surveillance-Enhanced Search and Rescue. Once an inReach device is enrolled in the free program, pilots filing flight plans with LMFS can receive ACAS alerts of any new or modified adverse conditions, such as severe weather or airport closures, which may arise after the pilot has received an initial briefing and filed the flight plan.
In addition, the inReach automatically transmits its GPS coordinates at regular intervals to LMFS during the flight. If the aircraft stops moving or reporting its position, an alarm is triggered immediately at LMFS, rather than the traditional method of waiting until a plane is 30 minutes overdue. The aircraft’s most recent position coordinates are relayed to search-and-rescue (SAR) authorities, narrowing the search radius. LMFS personnel and SAR responders can exchange text messages with the inReach to ascertain the nature of the emergency, ask clarifying questions and reassure the pilot that help is on the way.
The inReach also has a dedicated SOS button that, when pressed, immediately sends a distress message with GPS position to a SAR coordination center. If the pilot is unable to press the distress button, LMFS will still automatically initiate a SAR response.
“We are pleased to offer pilots an additional benefit by integrating DeLorme’s inReach devices into our Adverse Condition Alerting and Surveillance-Enhanced Search-and-Rescue services,” said Jim Derr, director, Lockheed Martin Flight Services. “Inflight alerts for hazardous weather and TFRs, as well as the faster initiation of search-and-rescue procedures with a greatly reduced search area are big wins for pilots.”
With its built-in GPS, location-tracking, SOS and two-way messaging features, inReach is a valuable tool for pilots, enabling them to communicate via satellite from the air with virtually anyone, anywhere in the world. When paired with a smartphone or tablet, pilots can easily view ACAS alerts and other messages and use DeLorme’s free Earthmate app for easier and more convenient texting, as well as access to unlimited topographic maps and U.S. NOAA charts.
inReach communicates over the Iridium satellite network, providing truly global two-way satellite connections, high network reliability and low-latency data links (less than 60-second delivery of messages end-to-end) anywhere on Earth, with no gaps, fringe or weak signal areas.
“When connected to Flight Services, inReach becomes an even more powerful two-way communication and tracking device, because there is nothing more critical for a pilot than getting adverse condition information in a timely manner and being able to get help in the event of an emergency,” said Jim Skillings, vice president of commercial products for DeLorme. “General aviation pilots flying all over the world depend on inReach to send and receive both routine and urgent text messages, allow others to follow their flight online and ultimately provide peace of mind to their friends and family back home.”
Pilots can sign up to receive ACAS services from LMFS by visiting www.1800wxbrief.com and clicking on the tab labeled “Alerts & Position Reporting Devices” to begin the enrollment process.
Suggested retail price for inReach SE is $299 and inReach Explorer is $379, with a choice of annual satellite subscriptions or no-contract Freedom Plans with only a minimum 30-day commitment. Freedom Plans start at $14.95 per month for the safety service and go up to $99.95 per month for the highest service level. Perfectly suited for the year-round user or for consistent peace of mind, the company’s standard annual contract plans offer a lower monthly cost ranging from $11.95 to $79.95 per month.
inReach is designed and manufactured in the U.S. and is available at most aviation retail and online outlets. A list of retailers is available at www.inreachdelorme.com.
DeLorme is exhibiting at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh at booth 4064 in Exhibit Hangar D.
About DeLorme
DeLorme is the innovation leader in personal satellite tracking, messaging and navigation technology. The company’s flagship product, inReach, is the most affordable satellite communicator that sends and receives 160-character text messages, provides GPS journey tracking/sharing with family and friends, and offers interactive SOS capabilities anywhere in the world through the Iridium satellite network. When paired with a mobile device, the seamless inReach experience provides unlimited access to free downloadable topographic maps and U.S. NOAA charts. Founded in 1976 and recognized as a pioneer in mapping products, DeLorme is headquartered in Yarmouth, Maine, and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit www.delorme.com.
