Norcal, September 1999

***Pilot and Passenger Survival***
*with Richard Dilbeck FAA AW/SPM* (Video-courtesy of FAA Aviation Safety Program) Fresno's newly assigned Airworthiness SPM, Inspector Dilbeck has developed an excellent crash survival presentation that all pilots need to explore. We train on our airmanship all the time, but do we ever review what to do "after the off-airport landing"? The video portion of this presentation includes the latest information on water survival produced by the FAA & the U.S. Coast Guard. The ultimate goal is how to survive an aircraft emergency landing, be it on land or water. There are many sources where information can be obtained concerning a good survival kit. One of the best this editor came across was no less than published by Boy Scout Leader, Mr. Ken Pulford on Thu 11 Nov 93. What to put in a survival kit There are a lot of suggestions for what to put in a survival kit. Some kits are what you might put in your car in winter or in the desert. Some are what you might put in a small airplane when flying in the bush. Even for backpacking, there is a difference between the emergency supplies you might put in your backpack on a long trip, where you might be delayed, and the sort of things you always take when you are in the woods. Somewhere between is the small backpacking survival kit that you would clip on your belt or carry in a fanny-pack. This type of kit is small and light, so you will carry it, yet contains enough material and supplies to keep you alive and comfortable in the woods for a few days. What follows are several suggestions from well-known "authorities." I have commented on them. Ultimately, you have to be your own judge of what you want and need. This is why the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge pamphlet has no specific list, though it has a lot of suggestions of things you might want to consider. Backpacking One Step at a Time, New, updated edition, Harvey Manning (1985), lists 10 essentials plus some additional (Chapter15; pp 374-401): Extra clothing (such as a sweater and a storm shelter) Extra food additional items Sunglasses Knife Firestarter Matches First aid kit Flashlight and extra batteries Map Compass Whistle Sunscreen Insect repellent Repair kit Toilet kit Toilet paper. This list contains no water (which should be essential), water carrier, water purification, and nothing to use as a cooking utensil. Fieldbook, Boy Scouts of Canada, Fieldbook, Boy Scouts of America, 3^rd 2nd Ed, Ed. (1984), p. 196 Every good woodsman always carries a knife, matches in a waterproof container, a compass, and a few adhesive bandages in his pockets. Under normal conditions, that's enough. But your prepared for more than just normal conditions when you assemble and maintain your own survival kit. In addition to carrying a first aid kit, you can further prepare by taking a lightweight survival kit on all your outings. Put the following items in a small plastic container, tape it shut, write the date on it, and open it only to replace perishable items or for a real emergency. The container should be waterproof and small enough to fit in your backpack or small area of the aircraft. It should contain: Rescue blanket 50 feet of nylon cord Hard candy, chocolate, meat bar Matches/metal match and 00 steel wool Candle/fire starters Plastic whistle Small glass mirror Pen light with spare batteries Small, sharp pocketknife Metal cup or plastic water bottle Water purification tablets Clear plastic sheet or an emergency shelter Emergency food like bouillon cubes, ration bar, malted milk tablets, wheat kernels Matches waterproofed with nail polish Fire starters made from tightly rolled paper soaked in paraffin Compass Whistle to let searches know where you are--saves your voice Razor blade and small knife Fishline, nylon, 25 lb. Test Fishing lures good for your area, sinkers, flies, spinners Wire, 5 to 10 feet, light and flexible for snares Adhesive tape, 1 inch wide and 6 to 12 inches long Pencil and paper for messages Aluminum foil, 2 sheets 12 inches square to make drinking and cooking utensils Bandages Iodine tablets to purify water List of items in the kit and dates to replace or inspect perishable items. A good list, but a lot to fit in a box. The food is just a taste. There is no water carrier. Space blankets were not available when this list was compiled. The lack of a plastic sheet is surprising. Other Resources: Some additional suggestions: How to Survive on Land and Sea, 4th edition (1984), Frank C.Craighead, Jr. and John J. Craighead, revised by Ray E. Smith and D. Shiras Jarvis. This is the classic book on outdoor survival, developed for the Navy in WW II. It covers the entire world and all kinds of situations. Survival in Antarctica, 1974 ed., National Science Foundation, pp. 16-18. The SAS Survival Handbook, John Wiseman, pp. 16-19. This is a British publication, like How to Survive on Land and Sea or the U.S. Army Survival Manual which is readily available as FM 21-76, Survival.

**Fresno District Leads the Western Pacific Region**
News flash! Recent statistical analysis of Pilot Proficiency Awards (WINGS) issued in the Western Pacific Region in the last six months shows that the Fresno District office has exceeded all other Districts! The Western Pacific Region includes, Nevada, Arizona, California & Hawaii. Way to go guys and gals! Your dedication to safety issues is reflected in your continued attendance and participation.

**The Seaplane Association's Annual**
***Clearlake Splash-In***
Friday, Saturday & Sunday Sep 24, 25 & 26 Skylark Motel, Clearlake Seaplane Association Contact: Al Coddington (415) 472-0227 *Events:*
Friday Sept. 24^th: Arrivials; 5:30 PM Dinner	Saturday, Sept. 25^th: 6:30 AM Breakfast; Meeting for Flying Participants; Spot Landing Contest; Accuracy Bombing; Fly-Bys; 11:30 Lunch; Restricted Distance Landings; FAA Safety Seminar; Restricted Distance Takeoffs; Fly-Bys; 5:30 PM Dinner
		Sunday Sept. 26^th: 6:30AM Breakfast; Departures

The Seaplane Association's Annual
Clearlake Splash-In

Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Sep 24, 25 & 26

Skylark Motel, Clearlake
Seaplane Association
Contact: Al Coddington (415) 472-0227

Events:

Friday Sept. 24^th:
Arrivials;
5:30 PM Dinner

Saturday, Sept. 25^th:
6:30 AM Breakfast;
Meeting for Flying Participants;
Spot Landing Contest;
Accuracy Bombing;
Fly-Bys;
11:30 Lunch;
Restricted Distance Landings;
FAA Safety Seminar;
Restricted Distance Takeoffs;
Fly-Bys;
5:30 PM Dinner

Sunday Sept. 26^th:
6:30AM Breakfast;
Departures

SIC SAC
*Significant Information for Pilots*
Runway Incursions: A Growing Problem at Controlled Airports The FAA defines a runway incursion as: Any occurrence at an airport involving and aircraft, vehicle, person, or object on the ground that creates a collision hazard or results in loss of separation with an aircraft taking off, intending to take off, landing or intending to land. During a recent four year period, total reported runway incursions increased 54 percent from 186 to 287. Detailed investigations of these incidents have identified three major areas contributing to runway incursions. These areas include: communications; airport knowledge; and cockpit procedures for maintaining orientation. The risk of being involved in a runway incursion can be greatly reduced by improving communication skills, knowledge of airport taxiways and runways, and cockpit procedures. Each is important to safe ground operations. Keep Communications Clear and Concise Effective pilot/controller communications are key to safe surface operations. Clear understanding of instructions should never be compromised, especially during busy times when the frequency is congested. Listen before you transmit. If able, monitor radio communications to establish a "mental" picture of airport activity. Think before keying your transmitter. Keep communications with the controller clear and concise. Never assume. Ensure you understand all instructions. Read back runway hold short instructions verbatim. Be Familiar With the Airport It sounds simple - know where you are and where you are going. Detailed airport diagrams are helpful. They are available from NOAA and several commercial vendors. Although these diagrams are normally used by instrument rated pilots, VFR pilots will also find them useful when performing surface operations. Review airport diagrams before taxiing or landing. Keep airport/taxi diagrams readily available during taxiing. Be alert to airport vehicle and pedestrian activity. Follow Proper Cockpit Procedures Pilots can use proven and effective procedures in the cockpit to help conduct safe operations on the ground and during take off and landing. Maintain a sterile cockpit environment. Avoid unnecessary conversation during surface operations, take off, and landing. Constantly scan outside of the cockpit, especially when on runways. If lost, notify Air Traffic Control immediately. Make your aircraft visible by proper use of aircraft lights. If you are unfamiliar with the airport, do not hesitate to request progressive taxi instructions. Insure proper radio operation and check audio panel, volume control, and squelch settings. Stay Alert, Especially When Visibility is Low Extra vigilance is required when visibility decreases, and the ability for pilots and controllers to maintain a desired level of situational awareness becomes significantly more difficult. During periods of reduced visibility pilots should keep in mind: Cockpit workload and distractions tend to increase As cockpit activity increases, attention to communications tends to decrease Fatigue level increases Increased vigilance is needed when snow and other weather conditions obscure surface markings and make signs difficult to see. Stay Alert and be Safe. Come to a Safety Seminar.

New FAA Web Sites

A new way to find out about Safety Seminars, and much more, is available on the FAA Western-Pacific Flight Standards Internet WEB Site. You may view a complete listing of meetings available in California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. There are options to search for meetings sponsored by SAC FSDO and for meetings at a particular airport. You may also register for the meetings on-line which will allow us to notify you via e-mail if the meeting is changed or canceled.

Check it out

Also, check out the new home pages for Fresno and Oakland

**A Special Opportunity For All Pilots**
WINGS: An excellent way to gain proficiency. WINGS is the FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program designed to encourage general aviation pilots to continue their training. It provides an opportunity to practice selected maneuvers in a minimum of instruction time. WINGS is an excellent opportunity for you to re-evaluate your flight proficiency and knowledge. If You're a Pilot, You're Eligible WINGS is open to all pilots holding a recreational certificate or higher with a current medical certificate, when required. After you've logged three hours of dual instruction under the program and attend at least one FAA-sanctioned safety seminar you will be eligible to receive and wear a distinctive set of WINGS. You will also receive a certificate of completion. Pilots: Your attendance at safety seminars fulfills one of the requirements of the Pilot Proficiency Award program (Wings Program). Completion of the requirements of the Wings Program, as outlined in Advisory Circular 61.91g, will qualify you to receive a Wings lapel pin and wall certificate. ADDITIONALLY, if you satisfactorily complete a phase of the Wings Program within the period specified by Section 61.56 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, you need not accomplish a biennial flight review. More Wings To Work For Each twelve month interval after earning your first set of WINGS you will be eligible for more WINGS. Each WINGS pin is specially designed to mark your additional progress. WINGS-The Sign of a Safe Pilot It's a fact - recurrent training makes a difference. Statistics show that pilots who participate in recurrent training programs such as WINGS, have a much better safety record than the pilots who do not. Earning your WINGS could have a positive impact on your aviation insurance costs. Be sure to inform your insurance agent of your commitment to the WINGS Program WORK FOR YOUR WINGS. THEY'RE WORTH A LOT MORE THAN THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET THEM.

What to put in a survival kit

New FAA Web Sites