The Yakovlevs Aerobatic Display Team is proud to announce they are to be equipped with the latest Fast Find PLB location technology, thanks to a new sponsorship deal with McMurdo Emergency Location Beacons. The Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, features a global alert system using COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, which regularly transmits a user's GPS location together with a unique identifier on 406 MHz. It also transmits on 121.5MHz as a local locating signal. A PLB is registered specifically to the user, and greatly increases the efficiency with which a carrier can be located. McMurdo's clients include the Royal Navy, and the US Coastguard, who have used McMurdo equipment for years.

"We are very excited" said Jeremy Harrison, Sales and Marketing Director with McMurdo. "This is another further exciting step for getting more involved in the general aviation market."

According to Jeremy, more and more countries in Europe and their governing bodies now allow PLBs to be registered, which means they can be used on a wider scale. And with its exact location system using the inbuilt GPS, the PLB can make the difference between life and death.

"The PLB gives a precise GPS position typically within 50 metres, so that means bringing Search and Rescue teams right over the spot", said Jeremy.

The Yakovlevs are always looking for new ways to improve the safety of their pilots, as well as their audiences, says team leader Jez Hopkinson. The team is displaying at many more European and Irish venues, resulting in longer and longer flights over water. The new Fast Find McMurdo PLB will be a significant improvement in safety for the team pilots, as well as conforming to the new CAA requirements.

"This is a great opportunity for us to make sure our pilots are a lot safer, as well as promote the need for greater safety within general aviation", Jez said.

Keep your eyes on our website for more information and other exciting events!