Peru’s largest oil and gas producer, Pluspetrol, will start using GPS-based aviation tracking devices to follow and stay in contact with its contracted helicopter fleets. The 2.2-pound D2000 portable device is built by Blue Sky Network based in La Jolla, Calif., and will allow Pluspetrol to move the units from aircraft to aircraft, saving significant costs over purchasing flight trackers for each helicopter.
With a battery life lasting up to 12 hours, the D2000A allows managers to monitor its fleets day or night, without worrying about losing battery charge. Other features of the D2000A include short-code messaging interface, Mayday button, and an Ethernet port for connecting to any laptop or PDA. The Mayday button will send messages to Blue Sky Network’s SkyRouter Web portal along with alerts to programmed e-mail addresses and mobile phones. SkyRouter is accessible to anyone on the ground with an Internet connection.
“Safety of personnel and internal communications are paramount in any industry, but especially for oil and gas workers who rely on helicopters every day,” said Carlton van Putten, Blue Sky Network’s senior vice president of marketing. “The D2000’s advanced communication capabilities provide Pluspetrol’s workforce with peace of mind that they are on track and safe in the event of an emergency.”
Blue Sky uses global satellite provider Iridium, and the units are U.S. and Canadian Forest Service compliant.
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