XIII.C.

Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear____________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. FAA-S-8081-1 (Private Pilot Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-29
3. FAA-S-8081-2 (Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards) pg. 1-28 / 2-29
4. Pilots Operating Handbook (POH)
5. FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual

Objective To provide the pilot with an understanding of Emergency Equipment and Survival
Gear.

Elements 1. Locations in the airplane.

2. Purpose.
3. Method of operation or use.
4. Servicing.
5. Storage.
6. Equipment and gear appropriate for operation in various climates
7. Over various types of terrain, and over water

Equipment 1. Flight Training Handbook

2. Private/Commercial PTS
3. White board and markers

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

IP’s Actions 1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions 1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the SP demonstrates an understanding of the elements
Standards related to Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear.

XIII.C. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

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Instructor’s Notes: Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear___________________________
INTRODUCTION:
WHAT? – The supplies to assist you in case of an emergency in an area void of human help.
WHY? - Having the proper supplies may buy you the time to survive until you can be rescued. I.e. in the ocean,
with or without a life jacket.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear,
including:
1. Locations in the airplane.
2. Purpose.
3. Method of operation or use.
4. Servicing.
5. Storage.
6. Equipment and gear appropriate for operation in various climates
7. over various types of terrain, and over water

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) Locations in the airplane.
A.) Most aircraft (especially in general aviation) are equipped with an emergency locator transmitter. (ELT)
B.) Survival gear should be located in an easily accessible location, such as the baggage compartment.
2.) PURPOSE.
A.) An ELT will transmit on 121.5 (civilian and 243.0 (military) MHz emergency frequencies and is used as
a homing beacon to search airplanes.
B.) Survival gear is used to help in signaling search airplanes and to support short-term survival.
3.) Method of operation or use.
A.) ELTs are normally automatically activated if an impact results in 5 G’s or more.
1. There is a switch in the cockpit near the left seat that allows a pilot to manually activate the ELT.
2. Instruct your student to play it safe and use the manual switch if possible after his or her emergency
landing.
B.) Follow the directions for operation and use of any survival gear.
4.) Servicing
A.) That batteries used in ELT’s must be replaced (or recharged, if the batteries are rechargeable) when the
transmitter has been in use for more than 1 cumulative hr. or when 50% of their useful life as established
by the manufacturer has expired (FAR 91.207)
1. The new expiration date for replacing (or recharging) the battery must be marked on the outside of
the transmitter and entered in the airplane’s maintenance record.
B.) Periodically remove the items in the survival kit and check serviceability.
5.) Storage
A.) An ELT is in your airplane and thus stored there
B.) Your students survival gear should be stored in the airplane, unless items are not needed, i.e. life
preservers on a flight entirely over land.
C.) All survival gear should be stored IAW instructions packaged with gear.

XIII.C. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

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6.) Equipment and gear appropriate for operation in various climates, over various types of terrain, and
over water.
A.) Survival kits should have appropriate equipment and gear for climate and terrain over which your flight
will be conducted.
B.) Different items are needed for cold vs. hot weather and mountainous vs. Flat terrain.
1. Survival manuals that are published commercially and by the government suggest items to be
included.
C.) While no FAR requires any type of survival gear for over water operations under part 91 (other than large
and turbine-powered multiengine airplanes) it is good operating practice to provide a life preserver and a
life raft(s) to accommodate everyone on the airplane.
D.) It is best to be prepared for an emergency.
7.) This task does not require simultaneous demonstration and explanation of emergency equipment and
survival gear.
A.) Nonetheless you should be able to explain and demonstrate (if appropriate) emergency equipment and
survival gear.

CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements to include:
1. Locations in the airplane.
2. Purpose.
3. Method of operation or use.
4. Servicing.
5. Storage.
6. Equipment and gear appropriate for operation in various climates
7. over various types of terrain, and over water

PRIVATE PTS:
As Stated

COMMERCIAL PTS:
As Stated

COMPLETION
STANDARDS:
1. This lesson will be complete when student has an understanding of Emergency Equipment and Survival
Gear.

XIII.C. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

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