Thread: PLB and GPS or just an inReach?

Originally Posted by Northkiwi

Thanks Moutere. So your advice is that inReach is cool for GPS, messaging, weather, and as a backup for emergencies. But not to give up the specialist PLB using 406 frequency? Is that because of the superior infrastructure of the 406, or the device quality and durability or both?
Thanks.

Sorry, just lost a long winded response into the cyber ether. In short, yes you are correct. PLBs are part of the native and seamless 406 alert system. RCC is well resourced and very good at what they do. It is a superior and more robust emergency alert system for a variety of reasons.
Having some insight into the nature of the emergency via a satellite message is great, however it does not alter the priority or equipment configuration for emergency response.
Aircraft are dispatched and configured for more or less for any eventuality once on scene.