Things to bring with you while flying

[night]

What are some things that are useful to bring?

I often fly above some wilderness areas (not the marked wilderness areas on the terminal area charts of course) but it's still wilderness. I feel like I'm not bringing enough stuff to be prepared if something were to happen with the aircraft. So what are some things to bring? I just bring my sunglasses and a water bottle. I was told I should bring a knife just in case. Is that necessary? If so what kind of knife is best? I'm thinking of a switchblade that's easy to use but I don't know which kind. I saw Sporty's sells some but I don't know if they're any good or not.

[adam32]

Switchblades are illegal in many States so check your State laws first.

 

And you can fly over Wilderness areas, just don't land in them.

 

I carry a pistol most everywhere and a Leatherman multi-tool.

[Guest pokey]

I fly my own ship just for fun, so i pretty much bring anything required for the mission, be it picture taking (need camera) Pic-A-nic (pretty girl and pic-A-nic basket). Credit card is a must tooo. As for over wilderness? Satellite phone, survival gear, 1st aid stuff. Gun if allowed (for shootin' at yer food) Knife would be handy to have. As far as the leatherman multi tool? i used to have a friend that always whipped his out when ever needed to tighten a cowl fastener or anything else he could destroy with it, so? as handy as they may be, i have a bad taste in my mouth from them. Lighter, flashlite, matches,, anything small and easy to pack/carry. Boy Scout manual too ! (you'd be surprised how much good info is in that little book)

[r22butters]

What are some things that are useful to bring?

I often fly above some wilderness areas...

 

...I was told I should bring a knife just in case. Is that necessary? If so what kind of knife is best? I'm thinking of a switchblade that's easy to use but I don't know which kind. I saw Sporty's sells some but I don't know if they're any good or not.

 

Yep, a knife is all you need!

[Little Bird]

I carry a Leatherman multi-tool on my belt in a sheath with a lighter, flashlight and pen in the side as well. In a small 5L dry bag I also have a high calorie energy bar, small flare, emergency blanket and rain jacket. And my water bottle.

[Wally]

What are some things that are useful to bring?

I often fly above some wilderness areas (not the marked wilderness areas on the terminal area charts of course) but it's still wilderness. I feel like I'm not bringing enough stuff to be prepared if something were to happen with the aircraft. So what are some things to bring? I just bring my sunglasses and a water bottle. I was told I should bring a knife just in case. Is that necessary? If so what kind of knife is best? I'm thinking of a switchblade that's easy to use but I don't know which kind. I saw Sporty's sells some but I don't know if they're any good or not.

 

Season, terrain, many things to consider. Dress/carry clothing to walk (good shoes/boots and socks) and survive a couple hours/days. Water, flashlight, lighter, first aid, knife- I don't like switchblades, I carry small to medium pocket knives with a "flipper" so I can open them one handed. So far, except for the water and how extensive the first aid kit is, this will fit in your pockets. Insect repellent and or sun-screen.

 

Cell phone and PLB, compass, toilet paper(I guess this should be first in this section), "Dude" wipes or other waterless cleaning packets, signal gear- pen flares will drop into a flight suit pocket and still signal above the trees in my area... but they are hard to find.

 

The 'kit' is gradually getting bigger, but I would also carry some fire starters (I can and have started fires in the rain, but it's work I'd rather not have to do); cordage (there are some outstanding synthetic lines); enough plastic sheeting to make a poncho or two; duct tape; hatchet and or saw; entrenching tool, or at least a trowel; some compact rations; water 'purification'; more first aid supplies....

 

After those supplies are used up, you're either clearing land and building cabins or dead.

Edited September 14, 2016 by Wally

[kona4breakfast]

Delorme inReach is my bare minimum. If flying XC around AK, I try to have something that generally complies with Alaska Statute 02.35.110, which is also the SOP the the AK National Guard's aviation unit and, last I recall, the active duty unit's as well. I have a Taylorcraft which is much more limited in baggage capacity, but in that aircraft you basically have to dress for the weather anyway; I won't bring food or tools, other than my aircraft toolbag in that aircraft. I would add some sort of water purification/container to that list (note to self).

 

Satellite PLB is the way to go, and don't leave the aircraft; use it for shelter if you can. Personally, I'd make sure I had enough warm clothing/sleeping bag to keep me alive through the night rather than planning to make a fire. A fire can be a LOT of work and impossible in some situations. The PLB will get rescue assets on your Lat/Long quickly, unless weather prevents them. If it does, sit tight and wait, and while you're waiting think about your decision making that put you in weather that SAR can't bail you out of. As far as rations go, I carry them in my "survival belt" underneath my shirt