Water Ditching & Aircraft Water Ditching & Aircraft EgressEgress

U. S. Coast Guard Air StationU. S. Coast Guard Air Station

Clearwater, FloridaClearwater, Florida

Survival Training & Life SupportSurvival Training & Life Support

Equipment DivisionEquipment Division

PreparednessPreparedness

Necessary Survival EquipmentNecessary Survival Equipment Specific “Ditching Checklist”Specific “Ditching Checklist” Practice Approach ManeuversPractice Approach Maneuvers Knowledge of Survival Knowledge of Survival

ProceduresProcedures

In an emergency situation:In an emergency situation:

15% either panic, freeze or act in a manner 15% either panic, freeze or act in a manner that is counterproductive.that is counterproductive.

70% need some sort of guidance to save 70% need some sort of guidance to save themselves.themselves.

15% react accordingly to the emergency and 15% react accordingly to the emergency and often times take charge and lead others to often times take charge and lead others to safety.safety.

* statistics according to The Center for Study and Practice of Survival, * statistics according to The Center for Study and Practice of Survival, Pornichet, FrancePornichet, France

PreparednessPreparedness

Basic Survival ItemsBasic Survival Items Specific “Ditching Checklist”Specific “Ditching Checklist” Practice Approach ManeuversPractice Approach Maneuvers Knowledge of Survival Knowledge of Survival

ProceduresProcedures

PreparationsPreparations

Flight PlanFlight Plan

A. Make sure it’s filed and openedA. Make sure it’s filed and opened

B. Stick to the plan or update it B. Stick to the plan or update it along the way along the way

C. Fill in “remarks” section withC. Fill in “remarks” section with

survival gear information.survival gear information.

D. This may dictate SAR actions D. This may dictate SAR actions

PreparationsPreparations

Ditching ChecklistDitching Checklist

A. Minimize sink rate, Maximize your A. Minimize sink rate, Maximize your

time aloft.time aloft.

1. 1/2 between stall & glide1. 1/2 between stall & glide

B. Within 1000 ft., resume normalB. Within 1000 ft., resume normal

glide.glide.

Note:Note: Practice this ahead of time. Practice this ahead of time.

PreparationsPreparations

Life VestsLife Vests

A. A must for trips outside ofA. A must for trips outside of

reasonable glide area back to reasonable glide area back to land.land.

B. Don’t expect to survive B. Don’t expect to survive

(without floatation) by merely(without floatation) by merely

treading water.treading water.

PreparationsPreparations

Life VestsLife Vests

C. Life Vest TypesC. Life Vest Types

1. 1. Regular WearRegular Wear

a. Constant wear.a. Constant wear.

b. Survival gear pockets on b. Survival gear pockets on

most models.most models.

C. This style, a must for C. This style, a must for

Pilots.Pilots.

PreparationsPreparations

Life VestsLife Vests

C. Life Vest TypesC. Life Vest Types

1. Regular Wear1. Regular Wear

2. 2. Quick DonningQuick Donning (airline type) (airline type)

a. tough to get during panic.a. tough to get during panic.

b. tough in tight confines.b. tough in tight confines.

c. no time during T.O. &c. no time during T.O. &

landings.landings.

PreparationsPreparations

Passenger BriefPassenger Brief

A. A. Life VestLife Vest

1. Location & Operation1. Location & Operation

2. Hazards2. Hazards

a. don’t inflate inside a. don’t inflate inside aircraftaircraft

b. don’t inflate at depthb. don’t inflate at depth

PreparationsPreparations

Passenger BriefPassenger Brief

A. A. Life RaftLife Raft

1. Location & Operation1. Location & Operation

3. Hazards3. Hazards

a. if it inflates inside the cabin, a. if it inflates inside the cabin,

be prepared to pop it.be prepared to pop it.

b. Just because you have a raft b. Just because you have a raft

doesn’t mean it’s coming out.doesn’t mean it’s coming out.

Five PhasesFive Phasesof a Water Ditchingof a Water Ditching

Initial Phase (“Seven-C’s)Initial Phase (“Seven-C’s) Ditching PhaseDitching Phase Egress PhaseEgress Phase Survival PhaseSurvival Phase Rescue PhaseRescue Phase

Initial PhaseInitial Phase

To get through the “initial phase” To get through the “initial phase” you should learn these seven steps.you should learn these seven steps.

These steps are known as the These steps are known as the

““Seven C’s”.Seven C’s”.

CurseCurse

This won’t do much to help your This won’t do much to help your situation but, it will make you feel situation but, it will make you feel better.better.

Sends a “distinct” message to your Sends a “distinct” message to your passengers, without getting too in passengers, without getting too in depth, that there may be a slight depth, that there may be a slight problem.problem.

Note:Note: This step is optional. This step is optional.

ConfessConfess

Confess to yourself that there is a Confess to yourself that there is a problem; don’t waste valuable time problem; don’t waste valuable time denying it.denying it.

Late recognition will statistically Late recognition will statistically lower your odds of survival.lower your odds of survival.

ClimbClimb

If you can climb, do it !!If you can climb, do it !! The higher you can climb, the The higher you can climb, the

longer you stay dry.longer you stay dry. Altitude also allows you more time Altitude also allows you more time

to troubleshoot the problem or to troubleshoot the problem or prepare for a possible ditching.prepare for a possible ditching.

Radio communications range & Radio communications range & clarity are better the higher you are. clarity are better the higher you are.

CommunicateCommunicate

Broadcast “MAYDAY” (w/ GPS Position if Broadcast “MAYDAY” (w/ GPS Position if possible.)possible.)

The sooner the call, the faster Search The sooner the call, the faster Search and Rescue (SAR) assets get moving.and Rescue (SAR) assets get moving.

Even if no one acknowledges you, keep Even if no one acknowledges you, keep transmitting in the blind.transmitting in the blind.

Your Your positionposition is the most vital of all is the most vital of all Mayday information; the more accurate Mayday information; the more accurate the better.the better.

ComputeCompute

Stay calmStay calm Think clearlyThink clearly Try to concentrate & troubleshoot Try to concentrate & troubleshoot

the problem, but remain aware of the problem, but remain aware of your altitude.; this gets a lot of your altitude.; this gets a lot of Pilots.Pilots.

If you fix the problem, a Mayday call If you fix the problem, a Mayday call can always be rescinded.can always be rescinded.

ConserveConserve

Conserve your fuel by reducing Conserve your fuel by reducing throttle setting for optimum throttle setting for optimum endurance. This too will buy you endurance. This too will buy you time.time.

ComplyComply

Follow the instructions of the Follow the instructions of the controlling agency. Believe it or controlling agency. Believe it or not, ATC may have a better idea.not, ATC may have a better idea.

“ “Seven C’s” ReviewSeven C’s” Review

CurseCurse ConfessConfess ClimbClimb CommunicateCommunicate ComputeCompute ConserveConserve ComplyComply

Accept that it Accept that it cancan happen to you !! happen to you !!

Gain the knowledge & proper Gain the knowledge & proper equipment necessary to survive.equipment necessary to survive.

Ditching PhaseDitching Phase“Judging swell direction & “Judging swell direction &

height”height”

Accurately judging the direction of Accurately judging the direction of the swells is crucial.the swells is crucial.

Unlike a breaking wave, “swells” are Unlike a breaking wave, “swells” are the slow rollers caused by distant the slow rollers caused by distant winds.winds.

Spotting swell direction above 2000 Spotting swell direction above 2000 ft. is virtually impossible. You may ft. is virtually impossible. You may have to rely on light intensity.have to rely on light intensity.

Judging swell direction & Judging swell direction & heightheight

Swells w/ moderate to light winds, Swells w/ moderate to light winds, you should disregard wind directionyou should disregard wind direction

Select a heading along (parallel) to Select a heading along (parallel) to the swell to minimize decelerationthe swell to minimize deceleration

Ditching PhaseDitching Phase

Judge swell direction and height.Judge swell direction and height. Preparing for impact.Preparing for impact.

Prepping for ImpactPrepping for Impact

Seat harnesses buckled & lockedSeat harnesses buckled & locked Secure loose gearSecure loose gear Eyeglasses offEyeglasses off Secure loose ends of life vest strapsSecure loose ends of life vest straps Remove your tieRemove your tie Jettison loose gear if possibleJettison loose gear if possible Note: Jettisoning your Mother-in-Law is a Class 1 Felony.Note: Jettisoning your Mother-in-Law is a Class 1 Felony.

Prepping for ImpactPrepping for Impact

Life Raft secured with easy accessLife Raft secured with easy access

A. Passenger seat if availableA. Passenger seat if available Jettison doors or jam doors open.Jettison doors or jam doors open. Impact positions for 60 seconds; no Impact positions for 60 seconds; no

peeking. peeking.

Just how wet will I get ?Just how wet will I get ?

Aircraft Floatation Characteristics Aircraft Floatation Characteristics vary with:vary with:

A. sea conditionsA. sea conditions

B. airframe integrity following B. airframe integrity following impactimpact C. airframe typeC. airframe type

– Low Wing: up to your knees, if your Low Wing: up to your knees, if your fast.fast.

– High Wing: over your headHigh Wing: over your head– Helicopter: good luck!Helicopter: good luck!

Ditching PhaseDitching Phase

Judge swell direction and height.Judge swell direction and height. Preparing for impact.Preparing for impact. Final controlled approach to the Final controlled approach to the

water.water.

HERE WE GO !!

Photo of actual Cessna 150 ditching at sea.

Time to go swimming !!

Here we go !Here we go ! ApproachApproach

A. Land parallel along the crest of the A. Land parallel along the crest of the swell to avoid wing tip swell to avoid wing tip

contact if contact if possible; if not the possible; if not the trough is O.K.trough is O.K.

B. If you must land head-long into theB. If you must land head-long into the

swell, try touching down on theswell, try touching down on the

backside of the wave. backside of the wave.

Here we go !Here we go ! Approach: (cont.)Approach: (cont.)

C. Shallow, low approach.C. Shallow, low approach.

D. Cut power over smooth spot.D. Cut power over smooth spot.

E. Avoid full stall; a/c could nose in.E. Avoid full stall; a/c could nose in.

F. Night time; hard to judge altitudeF. Night time; hard to judge altitude visually.visually.

1. Keep 9 to 12 degrees nose up.1. Keep 9 to 12 degrees nose up.

2. Stay 10 to 20% above stall speed.2. Stay 10 to 20% above stall speed.

Here we go !Here we go !

Wind directionWind direction

A. Wind should only be considered if A. Wind should only be considered if

the wind exceeds 1/3 to 1/2 of yourthe wind exceeds 1/3 to 1/2 of your

aircraft’s landing speed.aircraft’s landing speed.

B. If so, 45 degrees to both the wind &B. If so, 45 degrees to both the wind &

swell.swell.

C. In any case your success will be C. In any case your success will be

diminished.diminished.

Here we go !Here we go !

Touchdown speedTouchdown speed

A. Most Critical.A. Most Critical.

B. 5 to 10 kts. Above stall speed. B. 5 to 10 kts. Above stall speed.

B. Gear up.B. Gear up.

C. Fixed gear is not a liability. TheyC. Fixed gear is not a liability. They

often land at slower speeds whichoften land at slower speeds which

will increase your survival rate.will increase your survival rate.

FlapsFlaps

A. High wing, generally go with full A. High wing, generally go with full

flaps.flaps.

B. Low wing, flaps retracted. B. Low wing, flaps retracted.

May keep the aircraft from May keep the aircraft from

pitching downward on impact.pitching downward on impact.Note:Determine ahead of time by looking Note:Determine ahead of time by looking at at

your aircraft how flap position mayyour aircraft how flap position may effect your effect your egress.egress.

Here we go !Here we go !

ApproachApproach Wind directionWind direction Touchdown speedTouchdown speed FlapsFlaps

IMPACT !!IMPACT !!

IMPACT !!

•.• Control the aircraft and keep the wings parallel as long as you can.• Aircraft should stop within 100 ft.

Continue flying the aircraft untilthe last piece stops moving !!

Egress PhaseEgress Phase Don’t Panic !Don’t Panic !

1. Open exit.1. Open exit.

2. Reference point.2. Reference point.

3. Last second, 3. Last second, holdhold

breath.breath.

4. Release & 4. Release & escape.escape.

5. Hand over hand, 5. Hand over hand, don’t kick.don’t kick.

Egress !!Egress !!

Don’t Panic !Don’t Panic !

A. Grab gear and A. Grab gear and exit aircraft.exit aircraft.

B. No raft ? Try B. No raft ? Try the the tail section.tail section.

C. Unless the C. Unless the aircraft aircraft begins begins to sink, to sink, stick stick with it.with it.

Getting Air !!Getting Air !!

Supplemental Air SourceSupplemental Air Source

A. “Spare Air” bottle from A. “Spare Air” bottle from Submersible Systems Inc.Submersible Systems Inc.

1. Cost: approx. $300.001. Cost: approx. $300.00

2. Get training and practice2. Get training and practice

3. Check with your local 3. Check with your local scubascuba

shop.shop.

Getting Air !!Getting Air !!

Head for the surface.Head for the surface. Don’t inflate vest until on the surface.Don’t inflate vest until on the surface. Exhale on the way up.Exhale on the way up. Never go back into an aircraft.Never go back into an aircraft. If you must assist someone inside:If you must assist someone inside:

A. Grip, Reach & Pull.A. Grip, Reach & Pull.

B. A drowning person could pull you B. A drowning person could pull you

into the aircraft with them.into the aircraft with them.

Survival PhaseSurvival Phase You must be You must be

prepared and prepared and properly equipped properly equipped to take an active to take an active roll in your roll in your rescue.rescue.

A. Life VestsA. Life Vests

B. Life RaftB. Life Raft

C. Survival C. Survival GearGear

D. D. KnowledgeKnowledge

Survival PhaseSurvival Phase

Survival gear for over-water flights:Survival gear for over-water flights: Reverse Osmosis / Water PurifierReverse Osmosis / Water Purifier “ “Water-proof” VHF Marine HandheldWater-proof” VHF Marine Handheld 406 Mhz (or at least a Mini-B) E.P.I.R.B.406 Mhz (or at least a Mini-B) E.P.I.R.B.

Additional gear for over-water flights:Additional gear for over-water flights: Flares, Signal Mirror, Strobe, Whistle,Flares, Signal Mirror, Strobe, Whistle,

Flashlight, Multi-tool, etc.Flashlight, Multi-tool, etc.

Survival PhaseSurvival Phase

Like packing for a camping trip, you Like packing for a camping trip, you can pack a “to-go” bag specifically can pack a “to-go” bag specifically for a ditching event.for a ditching event.

This bag should contain additional This bag should contain additional items not found in your life vest.items not found in your life vest.

Gear should be stowed in a Gear should be stowed in a waterproof bag. (cascade designs)waterproof bag. (cascade designs)

Routinely inspect it’s contents. Routinely inspect it’s contents.

Rescue PhaseRescue Phase

Your rescue may Your rescue may be the most be the most dangerous part of dangerous part of your ordeal.your ordeal.

The higher the The higher the sea state, the sea state, the higher the risk of higher the risk of injury or death.injury or death.

Additional ReadingAdditional Reading

NTSB Report No. NTSD-AA-72-3 NTSB Report No. NTSD-AA-72-3 “Emergency Landing Techniques in“Emergency Landing Techniques inSmall Fixed-Wing Aircraft”. Small Fixed-Wing Aircraft”. (www.ntsb.gov)(www.ntsb.gov)

““Survival Sense for Pilots & Survival Sense for Pilots & Passengers”Passengers”

by Patrick LaValla by Patrick LaValla (www.eri-intl.com)(www.eri-intl.com)