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:
- Pilots can prevent or mitigate risks of unscheduled landings by meticulously planning routes with emergency landing options, consistently filing flight plans and using flight following, and regularly practicing emergency approach procedures.
- During an emergency landing, prioritize safe terrain selection (e.g., flat fields over roads/viney crops), configure the aircraft appropriately, and brief passengers on safety actions like securing seatbelts and unlatching doors for quick egress.
- Post-landing survival hinges on the "ABCs": assess injuries, maintain calmness despite the situation, and utilize a pre-packed survival kit, while remembering that mental preparedness is crucial for enduring discomfort and maintaining a positive outlook.
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