Notices

General Aviation Survival

The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee has determined that a significant number of General Aviation Fatalities could be avoided if pilots were better prepared and equipped to survive forced landings and crashes.  Survival training is strongly recommended as carrying appropriate survival equipment on board the aircraft.

Use the following information to acquaint yourself with some of the available resources to train, plan a equip for survival after a forced landing or crash.

It can happen quickly - One minute you're cruising along and the next you may find yourself on the ground in a survival situation.  Coping successfully in times like these requires knowledge, discipline and planning.

1. Consider a survival vest - inflatable if over water. 
   1. The vest should contain basic tools, lighting, signaling and fire starting devices.  These together with a small first aid kit, bottle of water and a few snacks could make a big difference in how well you get through a survival experience. 
2. Dress for anticipated conditions along your route.
   1. Dress in layers so you can adjust as conditions change.
   2. Goose down is a good insulator, but not when wet.  Consider synthetic insulation.
3. Survival Limits
   1. Air - 3 minutes
   2. Shelter - 3 hours
   3. Water - 3 days
   4. Food - 30 days

After the Landing / Crash

1. The First 5 Minutes
   1. Exit and count noses
   2. Check for breathing, bleeding and injuries
   3. Activate Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
   4. Activate Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
   5. Make a phone call - Cellular or Satellite
2. The First 5 Hours
   1. Create shelter
   2. Reassess injuries
   3. Inventory supplies
   4. Build a fire
   5. Organize camp site
   6. Make another phone call if able
3. The First 5 Days - A Waiting Game
   1. Stay busy
   2. Assign work tasks
      1. Stand watch
      2. Carry water
      3. Camp improvement
      4. Fish, hunt

The Most Important Survival Asset that tops every survivor's list.  That is the prime success determiner in survival situations.  That weighs nothing. And is ALWAYS AVAILABLE............

THE WILL TO SURVIVE

Want to Learn More?

Check out the following websites and pamphlets

The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute offers a free Basic Survival Training course.

Alaskan Region Flight Standards Website

FAA Airmen Education Programs

AOPA Passenger Briefing Card

FAASTeam Passenger Briefing Card

Alaska Off Airport Operations Guide

Contact Information - Sam Heiter - FAA Safety Team Program Manager - Grand Rapid FSDO Samuel.L.Heiter@FAA.gov / (574)220-1787