Up a Creek With a Paddle

As much as we practice and train to improve our proficiency, sometimes bad things just happen, and a pilot ends up unexpectedly afield with nary a sign of civilization in sight. Bush pilots, in particular, regularly live with this possible outcome and plan for it accordingly.

But what about the daytripper pilot who flies 100 miles on the weekend for a C-note sandwich? How prepared were you the last time you flew over rural [fill in your region here] to survive on the ground for five hours? How about five days?

With the understanding that the following lists are topical and intended to encourage you to learn more after reading this article, here are three survival categories you should consider when planning for and experiencing an unscheduled off-field landing.

Psychology

This is the most critical of all the categories listed here because your mindset will largely determine the effectiveness of the other two. No one expects you to sit next to the wreckage of your broken airplane, with a broken arm, and be grateful for the beauty of the trees you crashed through, but maintaining a will to survive and return to normal life maximizes the chances that you will do so.

Les Stroud, better known to many fans of his TV show as Survivorman, knows a thing or two about survival situations, having intentionally put himself in many of them for his TV show and the education of us all. Among his practical tips for surviving in the wilderness, he offers that “a strong mindset allows individuals to persevere through challenging situations, overcome obstacles, and maintain hope when faced with adversity.”

He goes on to point out that this mindset—which conquers aviation’s hazardous attitude of complacency—makes it more likely that you will make good decisions, adapt to the environment, and prevent panic after seemingly long periods of time without hope of rescue.

Knowledge

Next, in order of importance, are knowledge, skills, and experience. Just because you’ve been camping recently doesn’t mean you know how to provide first aid, find water and food, fashion an appropriate shelter, signal for help, protect yourself from wildlife, etc.

For just a moment, imagine that you found yourself in the Appalachian Mountains in the summer, dressed as you are now, and only had your flight bag with you. Also, your passenger has a painfully broken arm. Suddenly, the importance of having the following knowledge and skills becomes evident.

• First aid
• CPR
• Finding water
• Building several types of shelter
• Utilizing a wrecked airplane for many different survival purposes

It’s obvious the cockpit (if it’s still relatively intact) can often act as a shelter, but it might not be the best option. How would you know? Would it occur to you to rip wiring or control cables out of the aircraft to wrap a splint around your passenger’s broken arm? Would you let your aversion to further damaging your beloved airplane prevent you from providing this emergency medical care?

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of resources for learning some simple yet critical things that can mean the difference between survival and perishing. I recommend beginning with the same resource the Recreational Aviation Foundation uses, “Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing” by the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

Gear

This is a minimal list of essentials you should carry in your aircraft at all times. Augment it based on when and where you fly, the number and needs of your passengers, and practical considerations concerning carrying survival equipment in flight. Be sure to account for all the gear in your weight and balance calculations.

• Water—It’s heavy, but bring as much as you can justify
• Signaling devices—PLB, modern smartphone (like late model iPhones) with satellite communication capabilities, handheld COM radio, HAM radio (if you’re licensed), flares, whistles, signaling mirror
• Navigation tools—Topographic or road map (not just a VFR sectional), handheld compass, GPS (your phone is fine if you keep it charged)
• First-aid essentials—Trauma kit with bandages, antiseptics, splints, pain relief, and a first-aid manual for guidance
• Tools—A quality multitool for cutting, repairing, and crafting, and a solid non-folding knife for many uses
• Clothing—Thermal blankets (even for hot climates), waterproof layers, season-appropriate attire, and gloves and hats for cold climates

Remember, the information above is far from comprehensive. It’s intended to be like your private pilot certificate: A license to learn more.

Know Before You Go