Training and Safety Tip: Survival skills
No pilot plans to wind up walking in the wilderness halfway to their intended destination, yet no pilot has ever regretted being prepared for that very outcome.
Being prepared for an unplanned hike in the woods involves having a survival kit that will ensure you have the resources needed in the event of an off-airport landing.
- Cellphone: We all have this with us at all times, and flying is no different. Don’t pack it away in your luggage; instead, ensure it is in a place you will be able to access in the event of an emergency.
- Tools: Among the basics are a knife or multitool, rope, a flashlight (with extra batteries if it’s battery powered), and a compass.
- First-aid kit: You could buy one already assembled or build your own. Contents should include items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, and medical tape.
- Appropriate clothing: Dressing in layers is important, and you should have on board any additional items that you may need if you wind up on the ground anywhere along your route. The weather may be mild at your departure location and destination, but in between there may be mountainous terrain or vast temperature variations that warrant additional warm clothing, a rain jacket, a hat for sun protection, and extra socks.
- Water and water purifiers: These items will keep you from becoming dehydrated and are much more important to your survival than food.
- Matches: Fire can be useful in signaling for help, but also to address the basic need for heat to stay warm.
To help your chances of being located in a timely manner, file and activate a flight plan. I’d also recommend that you notify a friend or family member about your plans, so they know what your planned route of flight is and when you are expected to land.
En route, flight following is a helpful resource in an emergency as you will be in contact with air traffic control and can use their assistance. At the very least, ATC would know where you were when you were last in contact with them.
For more about this topic, view the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing Safety Spotlight, and visit and download the FAA’s ”General Aviation Survival” bulletin.
