Floating grab bag

[peregrineh]

Hi all - I wondered if you could help me. I will be doing some summer flying to Ireland and France in a single engine. In one of the planes there will be no room for a raft. So I envisaged a kind of floating waterproof foam box. I would like your advice on what to put in it and where I could get it all from. I would already be wearing the lift jacket. I fly a nanchang, so it would ideally fit under my legs in the front cockpit. I was thinking a handheld radio in a sealable plastic bag, an electronic flare (don't think civilians can get the real deal any more?) - maybe some sea dye - or have I been watching too many 2ww films?! Any advice would be great thanks

[BossEyed]

Far better than a portable radio will be a Personal Locator Beacon Beacon with integrated GPS.

Watch out for anything loose in the cockpit, moving in flight or being thrown forward when you impact the water and affecting the stick. If it's not loose, how will you ensure you can release it in a hurry on exit?

You are likely better off considering how any critical kit can be kept on your body rather than in a bag.

Also, consider an immersion suit.

[Pontius]

I agree with BossEyed that you would be better concentrating on things that are attached to you. The PLB I carry with me is not much bigger than a matchbox, yet has a GPS and is waterproof (and floats). I would also suggest a waterproof/damage-proof cover for your mobile phone, as that would probably be more useful than a handheld radio if you're floating around in the oggin. Take a trip to a boat shop/chandlery or whatever you want to call them and you'll find there are plenty of flares available and floating safety bags, which would be much more flexible than a box in the limited space available. A small first aid kit would be useful to add to your bag and a ziploc-type bag into which goes your wallet, passport, car keys etc. No, they're not vital in a survival situation but, believe, me they become more important once you've been rescued and it's a pain in the proverbial if you lose those sort of things. Don't put them in a nav bag because you almost certainly won't be getting that back if you have to ditch....the safety bag you'll grab when you exit the aircraft. Again, I would agree with BossEyed that an immersion suit is almost essential, especially if this is not going to be a one-off trip. I only say that based on the law of averages but, of course, it could all go wrong on the first cross-water excursion and an immersion suit would be a great bit of kit for any water crossing. As an ex-RN aircraft driver I'd point out that we only got rid of immersion suits once the water temp got above 15 degs.......for both of the days :-)

[Jetscream 32]

This is the only bit of kit you need other than a lifejacket.... If you are going to do overwater flying - it is "sensible" to do the dunker - it will help you understand everything about ditching, water temp, survival, kit and everything else - it is NOT mandatory but exceptionally useful and will stay with you for years.

But buy this PLB1 - Ocean Signal

[Pontius]

Yep, that's the one I've got. It goes in my pocket when I go out on my boat and the same when I jump in a GA aircraft.

[peregrineh]

Jetscream, Bosseye and Pontius - thank you all very much for your advice. It has been noted. I have bought one of those beacons that two of you recommended - certainly makes sense to have it on you and I will attach it to my life jacket or something like that. I am now interested in a few other things - I am amazed by how small rafts are. My father has a piper Dakota and one could certainly fit on the back seat - any recommendations for those? Regards immersion suits - I always hear people flying in the North Sea using them particularly in the Atlantic crossings. However I have been at LFAT enough and never seen anybody clamber out of a PA28 in one. So I would appreciate your advice and as to which one to look at - are they all hugely bulky? And lastly I read a ditching article in Pilot a few years ago and meant to do the course - could you remind me where to do it - is it Southampton from memory. Many thanks to you all - I am currently out on lake como flying seaplanes!!! Highly recommend it!

[Jetscream 32]

Speak with Andy at Andark Diving Dunker he's a good friend and has got a Scout Helicopter incredibly wonderful genuine guy with a great bunch of instructors.

Regarding "goon" suits or dry bags.... then this is all down to water temp and how far offshore you are going....

There is not many reports of life rafts being pulled from the aircraft if its in the baggage area or not easily accessible - remember if you ditch in a low wing single you ideally want to get as close to the stall as possible just above the wave tops, and depending on wind direction, swell and tide will depend on the outcome....

Bottom line is if you "Ditch" under control in a standard single in Europe and you've managed to get a call out on 121.5 stating intentions to ditch then odds are that the SAR helicopter will be with you before you actually get wet.

From November through to June I would ALWAYS wear a goon suit in Europe due to water temp and survival time. From July till October Id be happy with just a lifejacket in Europe waters.

Hope that helps

[Fionn101]

I teach in the north atlantic ocean all year round.

At no stage would I enter the water with just a life jacket. you will need a wet suit or immersion suit. and a locator beacon.

I cannot see a foam box withstanding the waves either, so an inflatable airbag would stow easier and provide more benefit to you in the water.

When you're here in Ireland I can show you 'True Cold' with a hot whiskey afterwards.

Lake Como does sound very appealing on a Monday !

Enjoy your trip,let us know if you need any more info about the Green isle.

Fionn

[Jetscream 32]

a 25 ltr Henri Lloyd or Musto roll neck / buckle bag is the perfect "grab bag" like a mini rucksack and normally bright Yellow and is also completely buoyant so an aid to survival if life jacket doesn't inflate etc

or something like this - cheap as chips and super easy and useful at same time
http://www.gillmarine.com/gb/sailing...inder-bag.html

[peregrineh]

Thanks very much everybody for the advice - Jetscream I have three people for your friends course need another threeto make the course viable - i have also relieved them of one Typhoon Ezeedon 3 suits!

Many thanks for the help