Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Crash Survival #1 survival item is to let a responsible person know where you are going, your route, and ETA. Insurance is to make contact after arrival. If you are not found quickly, you are not likely to be found at all. Survival items that are nice to have, short-term and essential for longer are: Flashlight, digging tool, foul-weather gear, blankets, food, water, matches and candles. A real plus would be a portable GPS, a handheld radio, or a cellular phone. Dehydration is the worst threat usually facing a downed pilot. Winter clothing: Combine high-tech and traditional materials. It is easier to keep warm by wearing multiple layers. Inner lawyer should not absorb moisture and wick it away from the body. 1/4 if body head leaves via the head. waterproof headgear may be the most important single survival item. Pilots are optimists that believe bad things happen to other people. They believe that flying is so safe that there is no need to be prepared for catastrophe. Before leaving home you should prepare the 'what if' options. Whenever you go flying you should be dressed to walk home. You should have required items within cockpit reach. You should stay with aircraft and survive until conditions allow foraging. Short-term rescue is usually within a day. The greatest danger is exposure to conditions causing hypothermia. the right condition of wind, temperature, and moisture can expose anyone to hypothermia. The body loses heat most rapidly when wet. Making your position visible can help rescue. Make a clearing, start a fire, and make large SOSs. Use common sense, have confidence in yourself and be patient. Prior planning, preparedness, practice and training will enable you to make the best decision possible. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM