posted 10th January 2003 18:38
People keep mentionin the darkness as if it's absolute.
It's not. With the cockpit lights turned as low as possible - even off, if there is sufficient brightness to give a reasonable horizon - you would be surprised just how much can be seen.
As height diminishes, what seemed quite black at altitude often resolves into discernable fields, buildings, roads etc.
For coal-sack blackness and you have no option other than to glide while pointing 'somewhere', then use your brains.
Best glide speed is not the best choice. Use min. sink speed, it's slower - forwards & downwards - AND gives you more time in the air to find a better solution. What if it's just a matter of some (slight) additional time that was needed for air in the fuel lines to be replaced by fuel after your tank change?
Make the 'somewhere' you point count for something ie glide towards known low ground (gives more time in the air), glide towards a known flat(ish) area, towards somewhere that will make help easier to get to you etc etc.
Above all, DON'T give up until you're dead...