Editor’s note: FLYING staff writer and CFI Meg Godlewski is an expert on survival techniques for pilots. She wrote the survival chapter of AOPA’s ground school for CFIs. In this two-part series, she instructs pilots on how to build a survival kit, as well as how you can survive if you’re forced to make an unscheduled, off-airport landing.
‘Dress to Survive’
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots must prioritize survival readiness by "dressing to survive, not to arrive" and preparing for unexpected off-airport landings, as exemplified by a tragic incident where a pilot succumbed to exposure despite surviving a crash.
- A comprehensive survival kit is essential, containing critical items for shelter, maintaining body warmth (e.g., space blanket, fire-starting gear), basic first aid, and emergency sustenance.
- Key components of a pilot's survival kit should include versatile tools (multi-tool, paracord), effective signaling devices (whistle, mirror, brightly colored tarp, flashlight), and provisions for water purification/collection and emergency food (energy bars).
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
