[FedCom] NOAA 49 (Gulfstream IV-SP ) sonde drop, 121.500 MHz La.

Tue, 15 Jul 2003 00:09:15 -0400

Hmmm... I spent a lot of time flying the Gulf, Caribbean, and the SE
Atlantic.. .. although it was a 'few' years ago.  We ALWAYS monitored 121.5
AND 243... In a single/dual radio aircraft, we would switch back and forth
an odd number of minutes to be sure to spend part of each quarter hour on
each freq.  In an aircraft with 3 or more radios (especially if not single
seat), two radios were tuned to both 121.5 and 243...  Not uncommon to
assign one non-flying crewmember the task of monitoring quite a few freqs
including the HF ones from the Bahamas or the Caymans.

The G4, despite what other radios are installed, has 2 or 3 VHF radios that
would cover 121.5  Not monitoring 121.5 would mean missing emergency calls
from a GA aircraft if the aircraft was out of range of ATC.  Although it's
not a smart thing to do, quite a few single engine aircraft (on legitimate
flights) with no HF gear venture across from Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

Sounds like NATOPS went out the window, into the drink, and got wet.

 ._._.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom M." <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2003 9:55 PM
Subject: [FedCom] NOAA 49 (Gulfstream IV-SP ) sonde drop, 121.500 MHz La.

> Heard NOAA 49, Gulfstream IV-SP, making several announcements on 121.5
about
> instrument drops into the storm in the Gulf of Mexico (with lat/long) from
FL
> 450.
>
> I hope they were checking with ATC before dropping, because the helos in
the
> gulf do not monitor guard.

---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.497 / Virus Database: 296 - Release Date: 7/5/03