Survival Equipment

Editorial note: Being fully prepared for an emergency survival situation is something very easy to overlook or even ignore completely for most general aviation pilots. I am not sure exactly why, but it might be just human nature to avoid a "negative" if at all possible. Furthermore, no "survival" training is ever "required", and therefore that allows the majority of general aviation pilots to put it completely out of sight... out of mind.

By contrast, most military pilots have had formal schooling on "survival", and not just classroom and chalkboard lectures. Most Navy pilots for example, go through Deep Water Survival, Jungle and Desert Survival, Cold Weather Survival, Emergency Egress training from aircraft and helicopters, training in the infamous "Dilbert Dunker" and so on. The reasons for the training are obvious. The not so obvious reasons, are that is allows military pilots to concentrate on a far greater task at hand, and that is to fly the aircraft... and accomplish the mission. Then, if an unfortunate event does occur...unexpectedly...you at least have a plan for that circumstance as well. An absolute guarantee is that there sure as hell won't be time to gather assets, and start making a survival plan AFTER your unplanned egress from your aircraft.

What EVERY pilot should have... is A SURVIVAL PLAN... and that plan should include what your next steps will be, beyond your disabled aircraft. You will be in a "survival" situation, regardless of whether you have a plan...or not. You may only be 10 minutes from a major hospital, or you may be a few months away. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense, that IF an emergency egress from your flying machine does occur...you should have already made "PLANS" for the survival of yourself and your passengers well beyond the unfortunate situation you just found yourself in. It isn't hard, it isn't costly, and it isn't required. If for no other reason... just do it for your "peace of mind" and someday you and others might be very happy you did.

Equipped To Survive
EQUIPPED to SURVIVE is the most comprehensive online resource for independent reviews of survival equipment and outdoor gear, as well as survival and Search and Rescue information... ON THE PLANET. Edited by noted survival authority Douglas S. Ritter... EQUIPPED to SURVIVE will help you determine the best choices to prepare for anything from a hike in the park to a life threatening emergency or disaster.

Survival Products, Inc.
SURVIVAL PRODUCTS, INC. established in 1970, is a company staffed with personnel having many years of private/commercial/military aviation and marine experience in servicing, engineering and manufacturing of survival emergency equipment including a complete line of life rafts, vests, and slides.

Wiggy's
If it has to do with Cold Weather survival gear and clothing... Wiggy's is the place to go. They may be best known for their exquisite sleeping bags. Read what they write about insulating material, and the construction of extreme cold weather gear. It is an education by itself.