Survival Equipment: How to Build an Aircraft Survival Kit

Why It Matters

Ensuring pilots have a complete, on‑person survival kit dramatically raises rescue chances and aligns with industry safety standards, protecting lives and liabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Pack a pocket-sized tin with fire starter, mirror, compass, whistle.
• Wear a dedicated survival vest holding knife, multi‑tool, PLB, tinder.
• Include water purification, gloves, bug repellent, heat packs, sunscreen.
• Add headlamp, first‑aid kit, cord, toilet paper, emergency blanket.
• Keep the kit on you, not stored in aircraft luggage.

Summary

The video walks viewers through assembling a personal aircraft survival kit, emphasizing that essential gear should be carried on the pilot rather than stowed in the aircraft’s luggage compartment.

It starts with an Altoids‑tin sized container holding a fire starter, signal mirror, compass and whistle, then expands to a dedicated survival vest loaded with a pocket knife, multi‑tool, fixed‑blade, personal locator beacon and extra tinder. Additional pouches hold water purification tablets, gloves, insect repellent, hand warmers, sunscreen, a laser flare, headlamp, a compact first‑aid kit, cordage, toilet paper and an emergency blanket.

The presenter repeatedly points out practical details – “I wear a survival vest when I fly,” and “Don’t leave home without toilet paper” – illustrating how each item fits into a streamlined, wearable system that can be grabbed the moment the aircraft door opens.

By keeping the kit on the pilot, emergencies become manageable mini‑camps rather than a scramble for scattered supplies, improving survival odds, complying with safety best practices, and potentially reducing insurance costs for operators.

Original Description

Install a BRS before you need it! A BRS system can lower an entire aircraft to the ground in the event of a loss of control, structural failure, or other in-flight emergency. https://brsaerospace.com/

Build your kit to your own specifications and tailor it to the climate and terrain you’ll be flying over.

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Survival Vests

03:09 Bigger Survival Kits

Watch the Full Series:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmZXwtLoBH8y01IjWpWYHtpi7DtEVBwfp

WINGS Credit:

To get WINGS credit for watching this video series, complete a short 15-question quiz with a passing score of 100 percent. Go to the course https://bit.ly/EI-SurvivalEquipment

Learn More:

Backcountry Resource Center

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/backcountryresourcecenter

Survival Safety Center

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-centers/survival-safety

Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing Safety Spotlight

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/online-learning/safety-spotlights/survive-beyond-the-forced-landing

A Message from ASI Staff:

We share a deep passion for aviation safety. As compassionate pilots, we bring together safety research, analysis, and knowledge in creative ways to share aviation safety education with you—with the ultimate goal of one day having zero fatal accidents in GA. If you find this information valuable, please consider a donation to support our work. https://bit.ly/AOPASafetyDonate

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit https://www.aopa.org/joinforsafety

Check out the Air Safety Institute Website:

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute

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