Geared for Survival

Survival in the air depends upon the skills of a proficient pilot; one who is adept at handling the aircraft and navigating from one place to another. The pilot must be both mentally and physically prepared through proper pre-flight planning, nutrition and frame of mind. This human preparation is essential to the privilege of exercising the conditions of a certified pilot licence. Remember, the mantra for any flight is that take-offs are optional, whereas landings are always mandatory! 

An essential part of ab initio flight training includes preparation for the possibility that you may have to make a forced approach. This could be due to a number of factors including weather, mechanical failure or the condition where your fuel tank(s) completely fill with air. Once on the ground, it becomes necessary to adopt a new strategy that may very well influence your chances of being rescued.

Rescue may come in many of these situations by simply communicating via radio that you have landed at an alternate field or in some other impromptu landing area. In a more serious situation, though, the aircraft may have experienced a rough landing and substantial damage, with possible injury to those on board. This is where the regular maintenance and testing of the ELT has the opportunity to become a life saver. This is the one time that you need it to send out the necessary signal to alert Search and Rescue teams of your location. 

Taking this scenario one step further may put you in a situation where you find yourself down in a remote area of the wilderness with no functioning radio. You hope that the ELT is performing its intended function; but you are now in a real survival situation where proper planning and training will likely determine your chances of survival. This is where your preparation may be as critical as other types of emergency training that you learn but hope you never have to use. Thinking beyond the joy of escaping into the wild blue yonder should include some relatively simple survival preparations that could mean the difference between life and death.

Canada geography lends itself to vast skies and remote locations within forests, lakes, mountains or Prairies. For this reason, the Canadian Aviation Regulations require that an aircraft operating over land shall carry survival equipment sufficient for each person on board and appropriate to the geographical area and season, including anticipated climatic variations (CAR 602.61). Aside from the exceptions listed in subsection (2), subsection (1) states that your survival kit must provide ¦the means for (a) starting a fire (b) providing shelter (c) providing or purifying water, and (d) visually signaling distress. The following section goes on to address life preservers and floatation devices required for flights over water.

The essence of such regulatory direction is based on common sense; however, it has been proven that survival sense is not always that common. Anticipation of the colder weather in these parts makes it necessary to bring a warm jacket even though the aircraft has a good heater; warm boots even though shoes are more comfortable; and your cell phone just in case. You can put together a good survival kit using items from your local hardware or specialty store. Other companies have pre-made kits ready for you to purchase if these make more sense for you. 

The following list represents an extensive inventory of items that you should consider when putting together or purchasing a survival kit for your aircraft. This type of kit may not be necessary for local flights, but would be appropriate for longer cross-country excursions regardless of season or geographic area. It also a good idea to make sure that you know how to use the items in the kit before dumping it in the back of the plane.

A very basic kit containing essential survival items should be carried on board at all times. This type of kit should include the minimum items listed below:

If the aircraft has been substantially damaged, consider using the fuel and oil from the engine to aid in starting a fire. The aircraft cabin may be useful for shelter and the upholstery could be used for added warmth or comfort. 

Having the necessary items and knowing how to utilize them properly is the first part of dealing with your emergency situation. The second part is mental: the psychology of survival can be a critical topic in itself, but we can touch on a few basics here. There are many variables to consider when in a survival situation such as the season, geographic area, personal injuries and prior preparation. The single most important rule in this type of situation is to stay where you are unless you know for sure that help can be found within your ability to get to it in reasonable time. 

Warmth consider the kit supplies and other resources you have available to start planning your shelter and a means for starting a fire. A fire will be essential to personal warmth, cooking, drying clothing and signaling for help.

Shelter plan your method of shelter based on your surrounding environment. Look for suitable trees and level ground suitable for getting as comfortable as possible. The shelter may be made of snow if it is winter time. Use the survival handbook in your kit to assess the best options for the situation. Make this a priority.

Water the average person can survive without water for a few days unless dealing with more extreme climatic conditions. Do not expend too much energy looking for sources of water; consider the easiest options first. Prepare containers to gather and store water, then use your purification tablets as needed. Store treated water in sealable baggies from your kit. 

Food the average person can live without food for much longer than without water. In most cases, rescue would be available before you would need to be concerned about food. Refer to your handbook for the best options considering your surroundings.

The most critical psychological factor is your level of stress as it relates to a survival situation. Each person is different, but nevertheless must be aware that untamed stress may lead to further anxiety, frustration and fear. Such a traumatic experience will affect people in different ways; it is best to stop and take in the reality of the situation and respond with common sense and a positive hopeful attitude. This is why this type of training is called the psychology of survival. It is a real life application in the power of positive thinking. Your ultimate response to the situation may determine your best chances of hanging in there until help arrives.

Read up on survival or attend a course that will provide you with some practical experience with the outdoors. So much of the aviation experience is built upon good preparation. We train for scenarios that we hope never to encounter, yet nevertheless prepare for. Survival training is no different. It is an essential contributor to your peace of mind as you head out into the wild blue yonder.