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 by "dressing to survive, not to arrive" and being prepared for unexpected off-airport landings, as highlighted by a pilot who froze to death despite surviving a crash.
- A comprehensive survival kit is essential, including provisions for shelter, warmth (e.g., tarp, fire starters, space blanket), first aid, hydration (water, purification, solar still), and signaling devices (e.g., whistle, mirror, bright tarp).
- The kit should also contain versatile tools like a multi-tool, paracord, navigation aids (compass), and energy bars, with an emphasis on knowing how to effectively use and improvise with these items for self-rescue.
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