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 counsels pilots on how to avoid the potential disasters of an unscheduled, off-airport landing, as well as how you can survive if one of those disasters happens to you. Read Part 1 here.
How to Survive An Unscheduled Off-Airport Landing
Key Takeaways:
- Proactive preparation is key to survival, encompassing detailed flight planning with emergency landing options, filing flight plans/using flight following, thorough passenger briefings, and consistent practice of emergency landing procedures.
- During an unscheduled landing, prioritize troubleshooting, selecting the safest possible landing site (avoiding hazards like power lines, opting for open fields over dense crops), and configuring the aircraft and occupants for impact tailored to the terrain (e.g., land uphill, gear up for water, unlatch doors).
- Post-landing, immediately assess injuries, maintain calmness, and utilize a pre-packed survival kit, understanding that rescue may be delayed, making a positive mental attitude and self-sufficiency crucial.
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