DeLorme, provider of personal satellite messaging, tracking and navigation technology will be exhibiting the inReach™ two-way satellite communication solution at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Summit, October 11-13 in Palm Springs, California in Booth 624. The AOPA Summit is an annual gathering of the largest, most influential aviation association in the world.

inReach is the first affordable two-way communication solution that enables pilots to stay connected when flying on routes beyond cell phone range. inReach provides two-way text messaging and email, SOS alerting, message delivery confirmation, remote GPS Follow-Me/Find-Me tracking and locating, and worldwide global coverage over the Iridium® satellite network. The device is compact, lightweight, waterproof, buoyant, impact-resistant and it can maintain satellite signal lock even in difficult GPS environments.

“Aviation users can truly benefit from the comprehensive functionality of the inReach solution,” said Patrick Shay, DeLorme vice president and general manager. “For pilots of all types of general aviation aircraft, inReach puts the power of global two-way personal communication in the cockpit, right where they need it.”

inReach can be used as a standalone device or can also be paired wirelessly with popular smartphones and tablets, enabling interactive text messaging and emails. The two-way messaging capabilities allow pilots to maintain communication, wherever their flight plans may take them. The ability to notify anyone of changes to scheduled trips, ETAs or to communicate any other message provides invaluable peace of mind for pilots and their families.

The remote GPS flight tracking capability of inReach gives near-real time aircraft position data in as frequent as two-minute intervals for as low as $1 per hour. Based on reasonable levels of communication and average flight hours, the new affordable monthly aviation subscription plans are designed with a tiered pricing structure to meet the needs of individual and aviation fleet users. The tracking feature also reports GPS altitude, course, and speed. Family and friends can follow a user’s trip as it happens via a web map display and can also ‘ping’ the inReach device to view the user’s up-to-date position coordinates at any time during a trip.

In the event of an emergency, the inReach SOS button, which has built-in protection against false alarms, will trigger a distress alert with delivery confirmation. inReach takes the ‘search’ out of search-and-rescue by automatically activating remote tracking for any SOS alert and sending message and tracking data to an international search-and-rescue coordination center, providing frequent updates of the user’s GPS position coordinates. This allows rescuers to efficiently home in on the user’s location, whether stationary or on the move. It also allows search-and-rescue authorities to communicate with the user to ensure that it is not an accidental activation, determine the nature of the emergency and reassure the sender that help is on the way.

In addition, DeLorme recently introduced the new inReach Auxiliary Power Adapter (APA). Especially designed for inReach, the APA conserves batteries and maintains power to the device via connection to a standard 12V cigarette lighter outlet. The inReach APA is configured for maximum performance when used with DeLorme’s custom firmware upgrade for inReach and has built-in electrical protection features including: over current protection, input surge voltage protection up to 40V, reverse voltage protection and short circuit protection.

The new APA is portable and externally powered, categorizing it as “carry-on equipment” for aircraft. Simple installation into the cigarette lighter outlet allows the adapter to remain plugged in to automatically turn on with the aircraft master power switch, maintaining consistent power to the device and access to the complete inReach experience.

inReach operates over the Iridium satellite network, providing truly global two-way satellite communications, high network reliability and low-latency data links of less than 60 second delivery of messages end-to-end anywhere on Earth, even in areas outside of traditional cellular coverage.

“The two-way messaging, SOS alerting and two-minute flight tracking features along with the specially designed auxiliary power adapter exemplify the effectiveness of the inReach solution for pilots throughout the aviation community,” said Shay. “Providing the accurate and affordable satellite-based communication services pilots need that doesn’t compromise on safety or performance is a priority for us.”