Autumn is a favorite time for flying in the Appalachians. With cooler air, scenic foliage, and calmer weather, it's easy to settle into a relaxed rhythm in the cockpit. But as the saying goes, "complacency kills." October is the perfect month to revisit emergency preparedness before winter sets in.
In this edition of The Highlands Safety Beacon, we cover practical strategies to help you plan for the unexpected, with a focus on off-airport landings, survival gear, and mental readiness.
Are You Really Ready for an Off-Airport Landing?
Most pilots know the theory. But could you execute a safe emergency landing today?
🛬 Know Your Terrain: In the Tri-Cities and Blue Ridge region, forested ridges, steep valleys, and rural farmland dominate. Identify suitable landing spots as part of your normal scan.
🧭 Always Have a Plan B: Ask yourself, "Where would I go if the engine quit right now?" Make this a constant habit during every leg of the flight.
🗺️ Use Cruise Altitude Wisely: Extra altitude = more glide options. Don’t cruise low over inhospitable terrain unless necessary.
🎯 Practice the Process: Review and rehearse the ABCs (Airspeed, Best field, Checklist, Declare) regularly. It could save your life.
Survival Gear for Fall Flights
If you do go down, will you have what you need?
🍂 Seasonal Layers: Cooler air can turn dangerously cold at night. Carry a jacket, gloves, and a hat—even on short hops.
📻 Signaling & Communication: Have a charged cell phone, portable radio, signal mirror, and flashlight. A small personal locator beacon (PLB) can be a lifesaver.
🧷 Basic Supplies: Water, energy bars, space blanket, multi-tool, and a small first aid kit take up minimal space and offer major utility.
🔋 Power Backup: Bring a battery pack or backup power source for your phone and GPS.
Mental Rehearsal & Decision-Making
Emergencies rarely happen when you're expecting them. Preparing mentally helps keep panic at bay.
🧠 Run "What-Ifs": Regularly ask yourself, "What if I lost power here? What if the weather deteriorated? What if I couldn’t reach my destination?"
📋 Brief Passengers: Let them know what to do before an emergency happens. Point out the fire extinguisher, ELT, and how to exit.
🛑 Know When to Say No: Fall weather can deteriorate rapidly. Don't press on if ceilings drop or winds exceed your comfort level.
Be Proactive, Not Lucky
Emergency preparedness isn’t pessimistic; it’s professional. Taking a little time in October to prepare your aircraft, your gear, and your mindset can mean everything if the unthinkable happens.
📖 Read more at: blog.highlandsaero.com
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🗨️ What do you carry in your survival kit? Share your tips below! ⬇️
