DOWN BUT NOT OUT

BGEN (RET’D) GREGORY C.P. MATTE, CD, PHD

Perhaps some of you will recognize the title of this article, as it’s also the title of a booklet in the VFC lounge that relates to survival training. Although this was written several decades ago for use by aircrew in the Royal Canadian Air Force, its content remains relevant to this day. So why an article on survival training? Well, even though most of our flying training is conducted within 25 Nm of CYYJ, every student will eventually undertake cross-country flights, and many of our recreational fliers conduct such flights regularly.

As such, we will all eventually find ourselves flying over uninhabited or sparsely populated areas of British Columbia and beyond. Given the mountainous terrain, search & rescue (SAR) missions are more challenging, as a downed Cessna could become almost invisible to the naked eye for SAR crews scouring the area of a crash sight. Fortunately, while I was the VFC General Manager, the

Board of Directors approved the initiative to replace the ELTs in the fleet with the newer (and far more accurate) 406 MHz version.

By comparison, the newer 406 MHz ELTs, using triangulation with the COPSPASSARSAT constellation of satellites, provides an accuracy of a 1-3 Nm radius from the crash site, vice the 12-15 Nm radius of the older system. The difference is significant from a SAR perspective; a search area of 17 square miles rather than a 782 square mile search area. So why worry? Clearly the SAR unit at 17 Wing Comox will find us within an hour or two of a crash landing in the mountains.

Perhaps in ideal circumstances, but then there’s “Murphy’s Law”. What if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse? Or what if the accident occurs late in the day, followed by nightfall? So, the question becomes one of whether or not we are prepared for an overnight stay in the wilderness when we embark on our cross-country flight, particularly during the winter months. So “Down but not Out” provides lifesaving tips on how to survive in the wilderness until rescued, as well as how to assist the SAR team in finding us.

Although I’ve never had the misfortune of surviving a crash (or ejection), my military training required that I undertake intensive survival training, as well as a couple “refresher” courses to remind me of the harshness of an unexpected overnight (or more) stay in the wilderness, and how to make the most of the basic materials in my ejection seat pack. Which leads to the question, what is provided in the VFC crosscountry survival kit, and how will you use it? More importantly, should you bring additional items, particularly if you have passengers?

One of the most important lessons that I learned from my survival training, was how rapidly my energy diminished once I was surviving on a very limited supply of bouillon cubes, coffee, & sugar. By the 3rd day, I was spent after walking a couple hundred meters from my shelter! This taught me the importance of attending to the primary tasks as quickly as possible after a crash (or ejection). Tending to injuries is obviously a primary concern, however it’s always important to starting a fire, building a shelter, and finding potable water. Given that in good conditions, the SAR team might arrive within close proximity of the crash site with an hour or two, it’s also wise to prepare the means to signal (or better yet, communicate with) the SAR team when they approach your vicinity.

So, what can you do to increase your chances of survival for an overnight stay in the mountains? The most important thing is to dress for the conditions (e.g. boots vice running shoes) and including basic supplies. Simple things like bringing a toque, scarf, and mittens can make a huge difference. Personally, I like to supplement the VFC’s survival pack with such things as space blankets (one for everyone on board) to preserve body heat, particularly if an adequate shelter cannot be built, in addition to a Leatherman tool, flashlight, and waterproof matches. For the extra vigilant, carrying a PLB and/or VHF radio would be particularly helpful in assisting the SAR team in finding your precise location. Beyond that, it comes down to your personal preferences and level of risk tolerance (e.g. small water purifier unit, etc.).

The bottom line is “be prepared”! If you haven’t heard of this survival booklet, it’s a classic and one that I would recommend that you read before going on your first crosscountry, particularly if it will be over sparsely populated and mountainous terrain. This added supplies and precautions may weigh a few pounds, but their value is beyond estimation if ever you needed to use them. Certainly your passengers will appreciate your preparation and planning for the unlikely circumstance of a night or two in the wilderness