In February, Aviation Consumer editor Larry Anglisano asked that I use Garmin’s new inReach Mini 2 for a few months and write up my experience with the unit. I live in rural North Idaho and am often out of reach of cellphone service at backcountry airports, remote lakes and on hikes. When I’m flying in remote areas, I wear a survival vest and keep a personal locator beacon (PLB) in one of the pockets.
The Mini 2 is a seriously sophisticated satellite communication device with the ability to send and receive texts, track movement (and send the tracking information) as we’ll as get weather and navigate. It’s priced at $399.99. There is a $29.95 initial activation fee and the user selects one of three usage plans that range from $11.95 to $49.95 per month.