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1. 02:50 AM - Survival (JC Gilpin)
2. 07:05 AM - Re: Survival (John Hauck)
Message 1
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*Granted most of you are not flying in such a risky area, but don't neglect
the worst case scenario preparation. Larry*
That's for sure Larry. An outlanding can become a serious threat, even in
you own 'patch'. Case in point follows:
Two weeks ago a Drifter flyer from our airfield had an exhaust extension
break off and go through the prop. Vibration so bad that it shook one carb
off. He made a good outlanding with no damage. Tried his mobile (cell)
phone but no signal..... He started walking and finally found a signal on
a hill. Rang us and told the story and we started out with a spare prop.
One request he had was "...bring water..." It was HOT day and he had to
walk several miles x-country to get to the nearest road. Wasn't carrying
any water in the aircraft.... We finally found him and watered him and
fitted the prop and he flew out again, no problem. But just consider how
that could have gone wrong..... If he'd hit a log buried in the grass and
up-ended, and broken an ankle he couldn't have raised the alarm, and would
have been stranded in the open without water.... His wife wouldn't have
started to panic until dark, so no search that day, so a very uncomfortable
night to come.... If it had been freezing temperature it could have been
even worse....
The main point is, this was only about 6 miles from the airfield, in fairly
habited country, so it's not only on long x-country adventure flights that
you need some survival equipment on board. You ALWAYS need it!
WATER - I carry a 3 litre 'Hydration Pack' stuffed into the nosecone of my
Kolb, always..... Those packs are excellent because they're just about
indestructible, and flexible enough to stuff into awkward corners. Also,
they carry as a backpack in case you need to walk out.
COMMUNICATION - I carry a Spot satellite locator on my belt. They're
excellent because they have three options for degree of emergency. For the
first level I have it programmed with the message - "...All is well...",
for when I just want to check-in. Next level says - "...Not injured but
need mechanical assistance...", for the sort of situation that the Drifter
flyer was in. These messages are sent by text to friends' mobile phones
and emails that I specify. I think best to send them to friends who are
most likely to be able to organize assistance. Then the serious level -
"...Injured and need help soonest..." This level automatically activates a
full emergency, and Spot management notifies police and local emergency
response crews, as well as the specified friends. The Spot also sends out
emails that shows the exact location on Google Maps to make location easy.
Wouldn't travel without it! I also carry a PLB, but when you press the
button on that, the panic is on and the cavalry comes choppering in.... It
sure is good to have those several levels of urgency with the Spot. And
that Spot needs to be on your person, in case of fire you have to get out
quick and run....
SHELTER - I agree with Larry, that it's not a good idea to be flying in
cold conditions with light clothing, depending on a heated cabin. If so
carry extra survival clothing, but might as well be wearing it, eh.... I
always carry two 'Space Blankets' They weigh nothing and take little
space, but can make the difference of survival or not, especially if
stranded in wet and cold. Squat down, back against a tree or whatever, and
wrap the blankets under, and around and over. It gets really cramped after
awhile, but it confines your body heat and makes survival possible. It
gets damp in there due to condensation, but it's a whole lot better than
cold rain. If you have suitable wood for a fire, then rig the blankets as
a lean-to and ground sheet, and it's as cozy as a toaster oven! If
stranded under the hot sun, the reflective blankets make a very good shade
shelter.
Just my two-bits worth, but I've had to depend upon my survival water and
those Space Blankets a couple of times, and wouldn't ever want to be
without them.....
JG
Message 2
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What Larry Cottrell and John Gilpin said, reference survival, may say your
life.
Survival equipment is like a parachute. You don't need it until you need
it. But if you don't have it.....
john h
mkIII
Titus, Alabama
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