Andes accident

On 12/7/2010 5:30 AM, Walt Connelly wrote:
This presents an interesting question regarding survival training and

Regarding the parachute, I wince when I see most people put on their
chute. There have been some good articles in the SSA magazine about
proper fit and usage, these deserve to be read and reread. Getting
out of a glider out of control would be difficult at best, it's
something that needs to be practiced on the ground. Canopy, belts,
butt.

Even with the SPOT they might not be able to get to you right away due
to weather, etc. We spend lots of time learning to fly, navigate and the
like. Perhaps those among us who are serious about flying might
consider attending a survival course of some type. Knowledge is the
greatest asset when the ship hits the sand.

In 35 years of soaring, I can't ever remember an incident in the USA
where we stood around saying, "if only he'd had some survival gear..."

I carry about 5 lbs of stuff, but have never come close to needing it,
and I've flown all over the country. I know people that have been saved
by their parachute, but not anyone ever needing anything beyond a jacket
and lots of water after landing. Do I just have a poor memory, or is
this an infinitesimal risk?

One thing surprised me about the Andes incident: he left the aircraft. I
thought the standard cautions was "stay with the aircraft, because it's
easier to locate". Or is that just a USA thing?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)