PaulR
Maybe I can answer some of your questions concerning the FRS, or Family Radio Service. First there is already a “recognized” channel for emergencies. As I understand it channel 1 is designated unofficially as a National Emergency Channel. In the GMRS radios, channel 11 is the recommended National Emergency Channel. These channel(s) are monitored by volunteers, such as, REACT (remember those folks from the CB craze days?) and sometimes some HAM operators will monitor the frequencies. More information can be found on the website www.g-r-m-s.com. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will use either channel depending on the radios they have at the time.

FRS and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) differ, but use almost the same frequencies. The frequencies cover the 462 and 467 MHz range, not the 900 MHz. FRS is mandated by the FCC to only use ½ watt of power for transmitting, whereas GMRS can use up to 5 watts mobile and 50 watts maximum for repeaters. Since GMRS is operating at more power you will need a license. The license is available through the FCC by applying and sending in $75. Given the low power of the FRS radio it is still possible for an aircraft to hear an emergency call if the pilot has a radio and is listening. I am not sure if the FCC restricts in flight use as they due cellular phones. If you are on a hill and talking, you could actually talk for up to 70 miles or more with only ½ watt of power. GMRS does allow for repeaters on certain frequencies since the FCC restricts the use of repeaters and repeaters are expensive to build and maintain do not be surprised if you find almost all of them are “private” and you cannot use them.

Most of the models of radio available from the major manufactures (Icom, Motorola, Midland etc.) have models with the standard 22 channel and 38 sub-channel (CTCSS) ability. It is really up to the end user to monitor any frequency for emergency calls.

I recall a incident where I was hiking in the mountains with some friends and we used the compact 2-way radios for keeping in contact. One person in our party started a conversation on another channel with a young lady in a camp ground about 22 miles from our area. Some other users had heard us talking and they changed to a sub-channel on the same frequency to avoid us. Somehow the gal in the camp had her husbands radio on their sub-channel and the one she was talking to our companion on our sub frequency. Imagine the surprise we had when we learned she was hearing the other group calling for help. Since we could not hear their exact conversation we had to use her as a relay. Once everyone was one the same frequency and not using a sub frequency we were able to hear the call ourselves. The other group (rock climbers) had an injured climber and needed help. My group began hiking in their direction (downhill) and since I also carry a HAM radio, I called for help on a nearby mountain top repeater (I should note there is absolutely no cellular service in this area.) We arrived at the injured climbers’ area about dusk, same as the Sheriff's SAR and since I am an EMT-I, I determined it would take too long to evacuate him out for a ground ambulance. He had fallen and broken his femur, so I had the SAR team call for lifeflight. He was air lifted within the hour and flown to the hospital. The Sheriff’s dept. gave everyone involved a letter of commendation. It wasn’t until then I actually learned the name of the gal our companion was talking to. Sometimes you never learn who all is involved in your rescue. Obviously there is a need for using communication of this type to call for help. I sometimes monitor the 2 channels mentioned in my personal scanners.

Take care,

Stargazer

ASAP = Always Supicious, Always Prepared