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Never assume your cellphone is useless becauseyou can’t make a call.The Power of a Cell PhoneNever hesitate to use your cell phone to dial 911. A 911 call will relay signal fromany available tower regardless of provider. No signal on your cell phone justmeans your particular provider has no coverage in the area.Never assume your cell phone is useless because you can’t make a call. Try a text.They often work when the signal is weak. Stick to the basics; for example, “SOSplane crash, 51deg 47min 30sec N 113deg 30min 30sec, blue plane, green tent, 3people, 2 injrd, call 911.”Even if you can’t send a meaningful message, a cell phone may still have enoughpower to send data packets as it attempts to log into a network. Attempted butfailed log-ins could be enough to help rescuers pin down your location by lookingfor transmissions from your phone number.In cold environments, use your body warmth to keep communication deviceswarm and conserve battery life. Carefully ration your battery life and onlyperiodically turn on your cell phone.AOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 5

(Continued from pg 4)Since crew are more likely to beincapacitated than passengers, thisis where your pre-takeoff briefingabout where the fire extinguisherand survival gear are located andhow to use them will improveeveryone’s safety.Assessing exposure meansidentifying injuries that may behidden by clothing. But in an aircraftcrash, it can also mean assessinghow exposure to the elements andthe dangers of the crash site mightaffect survival.details that will help rescuerslocate you, like the color of youraircraft, tent, clothing, etc.7. Your plan of action, likestarting a fire, walking to anearby road or staying put8. Your emergency contactCall emergency personnel first,before any other contact. Stay calm. Ifyou can, jot down your information beforeyou call so it is prioritized.(A) Assess and Report Your SituationWhen you know the danger of fireis gone, or you have evacuated toa more stable location, it is time tomake a more general assessment ofthe post-crash scene and attemptrescue communications. Emergencymedicine calls this the golden hour. Ifyou don’t have at least basic firstaid training, you should considertaking it so you are familiar withthe ABCDEs (Airway, Breathing andCirculation, Disability, Exposure).These provide a quick way totriage and stabilize life-threateningmedical situations. Disability andExposure, the last of the ABCDEs,are especially important factors in apost-crash situation.Assessing disability involvesidentifying who can help at the crashscene and who will need ongoingassistance or regular check-ins toverify their condition isn’t worsening.People who are initially lucid may notstay that way. Head injuries typicallyresult in cognitive impairmentranging from disorientation tounconsciousness. If you have narcoticor related painkillers in your first-aidkit, do not give them to people withimpaired cognitive function.The first post-crash hour is also thegolden hour for eventual rescue.The sooner first responders startlooking for you, the sooner you willbe found and attended to. Activateyour Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)if you have one, use your radio, andtry to make a call out with yourcell or satellite phone (see sidebar,The Power of a Cell Phone). Youmay not be able to reach air trafficcontrol (ATC) now that you are onthe ground, but you may be ableto hail aircraft passing overhead,including jet traffic. Try 121.5 or eventhe control center frequency for thearea.Call emergency personnel first,before any other contact. Stay calm.If you can, jot down your informationbefore you call so it is prioritized:1. Your name2. Location of the crash site,including coordinates if youhave them3. Any other location details,like “on a south facing slope”4. Number of people involvedand extent of injuries5. Survival equipment if youhave it6. Any descriptive or signalingAll the while, you should becontinuously assessing yoursituation and identifying themost pressing issues that willjeopardize your safety. Cold, wet,or windy weather makes exposureand hypothermia an immediaterisk. Students of survival classesoften report how fast they getcold without proper clothing orprotection. If your clothing isunsuitable, your most immediatepriority may be to put on moreappropriate clothing or build a fireor shelter.(G) GatherAt first, you should focus ongathering the items needed tostabilize and get through thefirst hour: proper clothing, firstaid supplies if people are injured,communications, and, if necessary,equipment to manage an existing fire.Next you should gather theresources you need to remain safeand assist in your rescue, like water,food, shelter, fire starter, extraclothing, and any other creaturecomforts that will make your waitas comfortable as possible. This isalso the time to collect items for(Continued on pg 8)AOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 6

A high-contrast brightred object helped makethe site of a recentairplane crash morevisible. At the centerof the image, but muchless visible from the air,is a tent. This particularcrash occurredNovember 2014 innorthern Ontario.Flight Plans Can Shorten Wait TimesFiling a flight plan is always a good idea. Sure, it pins you into specific routingrestricting your freedom to wander, but that is precisely what makes youeasier to find. If you don’t file, be prepared to wait. Statistics on wait timesshow variability based on the data source, but they have one commonelement. No flight plan longer wait.Flight Plan Average Time from Last Known Position to Rescue(according to FAA, 11/2010)1. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), 13 hours 6 minutes2. Visual Flight Rules (VFR), 37 Hours 18 minutes3. No Flight Plan, 42 hours 24 minutesFlight Plan Average Time from Last Known Position to Rescue(according to CAP, 4/2010)1. Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), 11.5 hours2. Visual Flight Rules (VFR), 18.2 Hours3. No Flight Plan, 62.6 hoursAOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 7

(Continued from pg 6)signaling. Rescue efforts can taketime to mobilize, so you shouldcount on spending the night.All the while, continually identifyand prioritize threatening issuesand gather the items you needto address them. Some prioritiesYour focus should remain on meetingbasic survival needs and establishingrescue communications. It doesn’tmatter what circumstances led toyour crash so don’t beat yourself up.Stabilize yourself and others, assessinjuries and the survival environment,gather resources, and act to addressthe manual so you know how itworks. Some come with portableantennas attached to the box. If youcrash and the installed antenna cableis severed or the main antenna issheared off, it is good to know thereis a backup and how to use it.There are a whole slew of reasonsThe rule of thumbis to remain at or near the crashsite and conserve your energy.may be immediate, like locatingand donning weather gear. Othersmay be less obvious, like findinga flashlight while it is still lightout. Still others may be ongoing,like attending to injuries. Thecircumstances of every crash areso different there is no cookiecutter formula.(A) ActAct is last in the SAGA mantrabecause it is important to act withpurpose and within the limitationsof your skills and physical abilitiesrather than act for the sake ofdoing something. In emergencysituations, people often act in hasteand end up making their situationworse, causing injuries or drainingresources. The hardest part ofacting is the act of waiting.The rule of thumb is to remain ator near the crash site and conserveyour energy. Sometimes there isa compelling reason to leave—unstable terrain, lack of shelter, atree canopy that makes the crashinvisible from the air when there is ameadow nearby. But unless there isa good reason, don’t venture too far.Preserve your resources.threatening issues and priority items.Then you can shift your focus to thenext 24 hours and beyond. Basically,your SAGA will continue until youare rescued.Enhance Your CommunicationOptionsYour best bet is to carry an array ofcommunication devices and knowhow to use them. The best-casecrash scenario is one where ATCheard your mayday call, your lastknown position is on radar, yourEmergency Locator Transmitter(ELT) activated at impact andstarted sending a distress signal,your cell phone is fully functional,and your emergency contact knowswhen to assume things went wrongand who to contact to begin searchand rescue. Unfortunately, if yourplane just crashed, things are clearlynot going according to plan (seesidebar – Flight Plans Can ShortenWait Times).Your ELT is your cry for help even inthe event you are unconscious. Butdon’t assume your ELT is properlyinstalled and working. Check it beforeyour flight and during maintenanceinspections to increase the likelihoodit will work when you need it. Readwhy you shouldn’t rely on an ELTas your main emergency signal. Asignal may not get out if it doesn’tsurvive a post-impact fire or has anantenna that is broken or coveredwith debris.A 406 MHz PLB can relay distresssignals directly to search and rescuevia satellite. Not all PLBs are createdequal. Those with integrated GPSsystems provide detailed locationinformation and will help rescuerspinpoint your location within 100 mif the GPS antenna has a clear view.Non-GPS PLBs rely on satellite-basedposition fixes that are less accurate(within a few kilometers or miles).Satellite messengers like SPOT,SpyderTracks, and InReach arehandy for rescue communications,but unlike PLBs do not automaticallytrigger international Search andRescue authorities. The capabilitiesand rescue response protocols arebrand- and model-specific. BothPLBs and satellite messengersneed to be manually activated, sokeep it within arms’ reach. Just likeyour fire extinguisher, briefing yourpassengers about where it is andhow to use it is for your safety aswell as theirs.(Continued on pg 10)AOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 8

WhistleHeadlampCompassMultitoolFire StarterCommunication DevicePHOTO BY MIKE HARTSurvival Vest Contents Communication device (one ormore of the following): a personallocator beacon (PLB), radio, cellphone and a spare battery Signaling device (one or more ofthe following): signal mirror, whistle,strobe, chemical lightsticks Headlamp or flashlight (preferablyLED with strobe option) Water flask Fire starter: Flint/steel based firestarter, weatherproof matches,petroleum jelly-soaked cotton orother tinder Shelter: pocket bivvy shelter,all-weather blanket, nylon ponchoor plastic sheet ParacordAOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 9 Basic first-aid kit Knife/multi-tool/survival saw Compass Food: granola bars, candy, nuts Hat (wool or synthetic balaclava) Gloves (insulated, leather orneoprene)Additional items: Water purification tablets Pencil or pen, good for leavingnotes Maps/sectionals Sunscreen, lip protection Chemical hand warmer Bear spray, insect repellent

(Continued from pg 8)A satellite phone allows you to shareeven more details. Remember thatphones or text-based communicationsrequire some presence of mind soimportant details aren’t left out if acall ends prematurely due to batterylife or reception.stand out to rescuers as will brightcontrasting colors, such as orangeand yellow, or black dirt or objectson a white snow. The shape ofyour signal can also communicateinformation. A large V indicates youneed help, X indicates injury, andan arrow can help point to yourdehydration. In the absence of anyother water source, however, it maybe your only option.Drinkable water must be foundwithin 24 hours after a crash oryour survival could depend onyour cleverness at extracting waterThe longer you remain in good spirits,the better you can make good decisions and stayalert. Little comforts stashed in your survival vest.make a huge difference in keeping a positiveattitude and staying focused.More and more pilots are goingpaperless and using ElectronicFlight Bags (EFBs). These can helppinpoint your position providedyou have sufficient battery power.Gadget-dependent pilots shouldconsider carrying an external USBbattery that can recharge a cellphone, iPad, or typical EFB.Even in a paperless world, however,it is amazing how handy a pen andpaper can be for survival and rescue.Without them, it is hard to leave anote that you left the crash site for anearby road.Signal with High Contrast,Flashing Light, and SoundDon’t forget the value of signaling.When you hear rescue aircraft, don’tstop trying to get their attentionuntil you know they have seen you.Signal fires, flares, rescue strobes,beacons, signal mirrors, whistles andair horns, and even waving a shirtwill make it easier for them to findyou. A properly used signal mirror,even a CD or DVD, can be spottedfrom more than 100 km (62.1 mi).For ground-to-air signaling, rightangles and sharp corners willcampsite or the actual crash site.Remember, bigger is always better.Morale and Other Keys toSurviving the WaitWe’re often told the three mostcritical keys to survival in anyscenario are water, protection fromthe elements, and food. The mostcritical factor, however, is yourattitude. Much of the time waitingfor rescue involves doing nothing,which can dull the senses and makeyou less aware of your surroundingsor incipient threats. The longer youremain in good spirits, the better youcan make good decisions and stayalert. Little comforts stashed in yoursurvival vest, like a toothbrush, toiletpaper, candies, a pack of cards, orknot-tying book, can make a hugedifference in keeping a positiveattitude and staying focused.WaterA lack of water is a universal threatto survival, particularly in coldweather where signs of dehydrationcan be easily overlooked. Eatingsnow is usually not a good optionbecause hypothermia from themetabolic drain to your bodyadds another risk to compete withAOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 10from plants, wet materials, orcondensation. It is far easier to carryan extra gallon or two in the plane,or a canteen or water bladder foreach individual aboard the aircraft,ideally a day’s supply for eachperson. That gives you and yourpassengers some extra time.If you find a source of running water,it is generally a good idea to treatit to remove protozoa, bacteria,and viruses. The most inexpensiveportable treatment systems arehalogen-based water purifyingtablets, usually made of chlorine oriodine. Filters can also be effective.A more potent option is ultravioletlight, but it requires electricity, so itwill only work as long as there arebatteries or a charge.Boiling water is the classic optionfor producing safe drinking water.It has drawbacks—it uses fuel, time,and resources—but in the event ofa cold-climate crash, it may be thebest or only means of obtainingdrinkable water, particularly fromsnow or ice. Additionally, a hot waterbottle in your sleeping bag or nextto your skin can stave off cold.(Continued on pg 12)

Priority ChecklistCategoryMedicalPurposeTreat injuries and illnessItemsFirst-aid kit, prescription meds,aspirin, splint, blood-clottingagentsShelter/ClothingSurvive the elementsand maintain bodytemperatureBivvy shelter, space blanket,tent, tarp, poncho, parachutechord, waterproof shell, hat,gloves, wool socks, heat packs,sunscreen, lip protectionFireSignaling, comfort, andwarmthSparking metal fire-startertool, storm-proof matches,weather resistant lighter,petroleum jelly-soaked cottonballs or fire-starter sticksRest/AttitudePreserve physicalcondition and mentalattitudePicture of a loved one or itemof sentimental value, book,deck of cards, survival guide,foam camp padWaterMaintain hydrationWater bottle, purificationtablets or device, watercollection containerFoodProvide energy topreserve physicalcondition and maintainmental acuityTrail mix, jerky, nuts, energybars, MREs, high-calorie gelpacks, fishing kitSignalingAid search and rescueELT, PLB, or commercialtracking device; satellitephone, handheld radio, whistle,flares, strobe or laser beacon,signal mirror/reflector, brightcolored fabricTools andMiscellaneousGeneral survival utilityFlashlight or headlamp, ducttape, parachute chord, smallstraight blade knife, multi-tool,pocket saw, compass, paperand pen for notesAOPA Air Safety Institute 2014Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing 11

(Continued from pg 10)Protection From the ElementsFire, clothing, and shelter are allcritical protections against theelements. Fire is indispensable forsignaling, protection against weatherand critters, staying warm, boilingwater, or melting snow. But naturalfuel is not a guarantee at a crashsite, especially in a cold weatherenvironment. A small package of firestarter can be stored in your vest.you depart means you will havethe right shoes on for your rescue.Gloves and a hat can be stored inyour vest. Carry neoprene gloves ifyou are flying over water.exert yourself much if you follow theguidelines—SAGA—and stay with thecrash. If for some reason travel orexertion is warranted, you will needthe energy.Shelter provides protection fromthe elements, protects supplies, andlengthens survival times. The idealshelter is a lightweight emergencypocket shelter or specialized low-Training is Another Key toSurvivalSurvival skills are similar to pilotingskills—you are only as good as yourThere is an old adageamong mountaineers thatthere is “no such thing as badweather, only bad clothing.”A small stove is even better, but willlikely have to go in a survival kit.There is an old adage amongmountaineers that there is “no suchthing as bad weather, only badclothing.” Before starting your flight,ask yourself if you are dressed forthe terrain and weather you areflying over. Synthetic pile, wool,and comfort are your allies. Cottonclothing is generally a liabilitybecause of its poor insulating abilitywhen wet (it tends to trap moisturenext to skin). A hat, gloves, andmultiple thin layers, including a windand water-proof outer shell, areadaptable to most weather situationsand allow you to be more productivein accomplishing survival tasks likebuilding a shelter. For hot weather,protection from the sun is critical.Consider sun-protecting clothing,hats, sunscreen, lip protection, andpotentially a tarp for shade.Don’t forget your extremities. Coldweather survival requires functioninghands and feet. Wearing propersocks and reliable footwear whenprofile hammock tent. They are nottoo difficult to find. Paracord and alarge sheet of waterproof materialcan be a fine substitute, and can alsoeasily be stored in your survival vest.It is best to carry both options. Ifyour large tarp or tent in the back ofthe plane survives the crash, you canuse you

results. Basic survival knowledge and the right equipment can help you better control your fate. In Canada, the rules for carrying certain survival equipment used to be mandatory, but several years ago they changed to allow pilots greater discretion (see sidebar pg 2, CAR 602.61 Survival Equipment- Flights Over Land). In some ways,