Survival Kits

"nate_fl" wrote in message
ups.com...

I saw a show the other night where a guy started a fire using 2 "D"
cell batteries and some fine steel wool (about 8" worth). You should
be able to do the same with any battery system.

As always, YMMV.


A 9-volt battery works well for this and obviously can ignite a smaller
clump of steel wool. As Nate mentioned, the steel wool should be fine. Steel
wool burns quite hot, so be careful if you play, er, test this.

bumper

Fire? Remember, we are talking about surviving, not camping out. If
you fly in cold climates/wx, you are probably dressed warm enough for
the ground environment (and you have your chute to wrap up in).

My worse case scenario is bailing out and glider impacts on other side
of a ridge, etc. I have a signal mirror (military type - sorry, but a
CD is NOT a good substiture for a signal mirror for several reasons I
can think of - size, strength, visibility, etc) and a mini first aid
kit in small pouches on my chute harness (rigger added them). I also
have a pouch for my cell phone (which I really should tie to the chute
- don't think the velcro pouch will stay on during a violent bailout).

Obviously, if you stay with the glider, you have more comm and nav
gear to work with, and can sleep in the cockpit if necessary. Water
and a book would be nice. Food I consider a luxury, don't want it
sitting in my plane for months.

I think the best thing to have would be a 406 PLB attached to your
chute harness. Eliminates the need for a handheld radio and GPS, and
a lot smaller/lighter. I see a birthday present coming up...

Keep it simple, plan for worse case, make sure it works.

Kirk
66