Hey All,
I recently upgraded my early-model Iridium phone to an Iridium Extreme. That's the model that has integral GPS and an SOS button. When pressed, the SOS button can automatically dial one phone number and text up to three SMS numbers. The SMS messages can contain a pre-programmed emergency notification and current GPS position.
I am wondering about the best phone number and SMS numbers to pre-program into the phone. This will be primarily for Alaska, and primarily for aviation. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center comes to mind as one solid option. Another option is a third-party service called GEOS that Iridium works with. They sell all kinds of add-on global rescue insurance, etc, and I understand they are based in the lower 48. I haven't heard much about them, aside from seeing them listed in the Iridium literature.
Another possibility would be to set all the pre-programmed numbers to activate your buddy network, but in my case that seems like it could be pretty hit-or-miss depending on timing.
What are you guys in (Interior) Alaska using? Anybody have any experience with GEOS?
p.s.- this is in addition to a 406/GPS ELT in the plane, and a 406 PLB in my vest. Both of those registrations are kept current with NOAA.
Thanks,
-DP

You are "rocking" dude! Pretty futuristic!

I always call the USCG SAR number if some $#it hits the fan on my old Iridium 9555. But, I live near the ocean 99% .

I would go with whatever number gets an actual person on the other end vs an automated answering system requiring you to "push 1 for English" etc...

AKRCC, FSS, troopers, 911 or maybe have it dial Zane!

On a side note, when my friend's cub was crashed by his mechanic, AKRCC called the owner within 2 minutes and asked if he was OK, even already had the GPS location of the incident. I cannot comprehend why guys are still bombing around without 406 up here...

Resurrecting this old thread due to a recent ditching in Cook Inlet on an incoming tide (presumed fatal x2). Tonight's news update suggests that the pilot placed a non-local sat phone call that was then re-routed, resulting in delayed response, and inability of the eventual dispatcher to call him back.
Based on my own research, I have elected to program the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center into my pre-programmed devices, e.g. Iridium Extreme.
Condolences to the friends and family of this missing pilot and passenger. I didn't know the pilot, but the tributes posted in the past week speak to the loss of an outstanding father, son, brother and member of his community.
-DP

AKRCC (907) 551-7230
AKRCC (800) 420-7230
AKRCC SMS [deleted per fancypants' post below. New number pending??]

For Iridium Extreme, program “+1907…”, or "+1800...", etc

Hey denalipilot,

I couldn't find any reference to that AKRCC SMS number you posted, so I gave them a ring to get the scoop. The gentleman I spoke with said they don't currently have SMS capability, and thought the number you provided might have been associated with a BlackBerry they were using at one time. He mentioned they were looking to move to iPhones and might be able to publish an SMS number once that happens. In any case, there's no official monitoring of text messages at this point according to him, and voice calls are highly recommended if you find yourself in a bad situation in Alaska.

For those outside Alaska, Air Force RCC is the primary point of contact for inland SAR efforts in the lower 48.
voice phone: 800-851-3051
email ("official mission correspondence only"): [email protected]

I don't know for sure that an email sent to that address would initiate a response, but I have it in my Delorme inReach as kind of a Hail Mary scattergun last-ditch effort.

fancypants wrote:Hey denalipilot,

I couldn't find any reference to that AKRCC SMS number you posted, so I gave them a ring to get the scoop. The gentleman I spoke with said they don't currently have SMS capability, and thought the number you provided might have been associated with a BlackBerry they were using at one time. He mentioned they were looking to move to iPhones and might be able to publish an SMS number once that happens. In any case, there's no official monitoring of text messages at this point according to him, and voice calls are highly recommended if you find yourself in a bad situation in Alaska...

fancypants,

Thanks for looking into it and posting your findings here. About four months ago I was provided that SMS number by a USAF Lt. Colonel who worked with AKRCC. He did indicate that it was a Blackberry number. I guess I will leave it in my Iridium Extreme for now as a Hail-Mary, as you say, and keep an ear to the ground for an iPhone number in the future.

Fortunately with the Iridium Extreme, the SOS button can simultaneously place one programmed voice call and text three programmed SMS numbers, with location information included.

-DP