Food stuffs with high caloric value, like protein bars
Flotation Gear:
Aircraft operating beyond power-off glide distance from shore are required to have access to flotation equipment [Amazon]
Amazon, Flotation Gear
Signaling Devices:
Signaling devices [Amazon] are required for VFR flight over water but can be equally as important if you ever become stranded in a remote area on land
Amazon, Signaling Mirror
Amazon, Flare Gun
Ballistic Parachute Systems:
Ballistic parachute systems (BRS) are designed to safely return an aircraft to the ground in the event of an emergency, such as engine failure, structural damage, or other hazards that might lead to a crash
BRS systems can be installed in smaller aircraft and helicopters
Ballastic Parachute Systems Maintenance:
BRS' require maintenance performed by a trained aircraft mechanic
Mechanics are looking for signs of wear, corrosion, damage or other items as specified by the manufacturer
Inspections and some part replacements are required on a schedule or as required (suspected damage, inadvertant activation, etc.)
Pilots must pay attention to these inspection and replacement intervals as part of their preflight
Major maintenance such as repacking or following any breach of the inner or upper cap of the cannister require factory attention
Emergency Auto-land Systems:
Winter Considerations:
Wear or have available layers of clothing
Wear or have available boots or wet resistant footwear
Continue to hydrate, even if not sweating
Have blankets or tarps that can be used to create shelters or limit exposure from elements
Things to Remember:
More than one emergency at once can and has happened
Filing a flight plan causes SAR after you have failed to arrive at your destination and no contact has been established
Be sure the ELT has activated as it may not active from the crash
Use parts from the aircraft for survival gear
Common sense, "You are the most important survival tool on board"
You may not think you have much, but you brought a ~2,000-pound suitcase
Use what you must, seats, fuel, compass, radio, your maps
Emergency Equipment Preflight Briefing:
Brief passengers on all emergency equipment present and how to use it
Private Pilot (Airplane) Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear Airman Certification Standards:
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency equipment, and survival gear appropriate to the airplane and environment encountered during flight
Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
Simulate ballistic parachute deployment procedures, if equipped
Conclusion:
According to the National Search and Rescue Plan, "The life expectancy of an injured survivor decreases as much as 80% during the first 24 hours, while the chances of survival of uninjured survivors rapidly diminish after the first 3 days"
An Air Force Review of 325 SAR missions conducted during a 23-month period revealed that "Time works against people who experience distress but are not on a flight plan, since 36 hours normally pass before family concern initiates an (alert)"
Consider the type of flying you are doing and think about investing in a Aviation Crash Kit [Amazon], just in case
Although not emergency equipment, pilots should consider wearing closed-toed shoes, long pants, sleeved shirts with conventional fabrics, and carrying a jacket or sweatshirt when appropriate - considering overnight temperatures - to protect the pilot in the event of a ditch
