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Key Takeaways
- The best overall aviation survival kit: ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag.
- Consider factors such as compactness, waterproofing, quality, and customization.
- Customizing your survival kit based on your needs is highly recommended.
You never know when an aviation emergency may arise, and having the right tools to survive can be the difference between life and death.
The best aviation survival kits for private pilots:
- Best Overall: ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag
- Best Budget: Life Gear Wings of Life Emergency Survival Kit
- Best for Communication: Garmin inReach Mini
- Best for Water Emergencies: ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB
- Best for Medical Emergencies: Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series
- Best for Cold Weather: Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy
- Best for Food and Water: Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit
At Pilot Passion, we've done extensive research and testing to determine the best aviation survival kits for private pilots. We've looked at pre-packaged kits as well as custom-made options, and we've evaluated each kit based on its essential components, advanced gear, and overall quality. You can trust us to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on aviation survival kits.
Essential Components of Survival Kits
As a private pilot, having a well-stocked survival kit is essential in case of an emergency situation. There are several components that should be included in your kit to ensure that you are prepared for any situation.
First Aid Essentials
Injuries can happen at any time, and being prepared with a first aid kit is crucial. Your kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, and medical tape.
It is also important to include any necessary medications, such as pain relievers or allergy medication.
Fire Starters and Matches
Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help. Your kit should include waterproof matches or a fire starter, such as a magnesium rod, as well as a lighter or matches as a backup.
It is also important to include kindling, such as cotton balls or dryer lint, to help start a fire.
Signaling Equipment
In an emergency situation, it is important to have equipment to signal for help. Your kit should include a signal mirror, which can be used to reflect sunlight to attract attention. You may also want to include a whistle, flares, or a glow stick.
Shelter and Warmth
In case you need to spend the night outdoors, it is important to have shelter and warmth. Your kit should include life vests, emergency blankets, emergency bags (sleeping bag) as well warm clothing. You may also want to include a hand warmer or heat packs to use with your emergency blanket.
Food and Water Supplies
In an emergency situation, access to food and water may be limited. Your kit should include non-perishable food items, such as energy bars or jerky, as well as water purification tablets or a water filtration system. It is important to also include a water container.
Navigation Tools
If you become lost or disoriented, having navigation tools can be life-saving. Your kit should include a compass and a map of the area. You may also want to include a GPS device or a personal locator beacon.
Survival Tools
In addition to the above items, your kit should also include several survival tools. A multi-tool, such as a Swiss Army knife, can be useful for a variety of tasks.
A wire saw or rope can be used to build shelter or gather firewood. You may also want to include a fishing line and hook (or a basic fishing kit), as well as a screwdriver and duct tape.
Lastly learning some survival techniques that focus on wilderness survival can be fundamental during an aviation emergency.
Top 7 Aviation Survival Kits for Private Pilots in 2023
As a private pilot, it's essential to have the right tools and equipment on hand in case of an emergency.
One of the most important pieces of equipment you can have is an aviation survival kit. These kits contain a variety of items that can help you survive if you find yourself stranded in a remote location. In this article, we'll be reviewing the best aviation survival kits for private pilots.
1. Best Overall: ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 7.5 x 4.5 inches
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Material: 420 denier nylon fabric
Performance
The ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag is a high-quality survival kit that includes a variety of essential items such as a water-resistant pouch, signaling mirror, whistle, and more.
The bag is made from durable 420 denier nylon fabric and is designed to float in case of an emergency.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag is the water-resistant pouch, which can be used to store important documents and electronics. The pouch is designed to keep your items dry even in wet conditions, making it an essential item for any survival kit.
Benefits
- Durable and high-quality materials
- Water-resistant pouch for storing important documents and electronics
- Includes a variety of essential survival items
Drawbacks
- Slightly more expensive than other survival kits on the market
- Some users have reported that the bag is slightly bulky
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who are looking for a high-quality and durable survival kit that includes a variety of essential items should consider the ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the ACR Electronics RapidDitch Express Bag on Amazon.
2. Best Budget: Life Gear Wings of Life Emergency Survival Kit
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Material: Plastic
Performance
The Life Gear Wings of Life Emergency Survival Kit is a budget-friendly option that includes a variety of essential survival items such as a flashlight, whistle, and more. The kit is small and lightweight, making it easy to store in your aircraft.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of this kit is the inclusion of a multi-tool. This tool can help your with so many different tasks to help alleviate the challenges of an emergency.
The kit also includes a glow stick, which can be used to signal for help in low-light conditions.
Benefits
- Budget-friendly option
- Includes a variety of essential survival items
- Small and lightweight, making it easy to store in your aircraft
Drawbacks
- Some users have reported that the quality of the items in the kit is not as high as other survival kits on the market
- The plastic container may not be as durable as other options
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who are looking for a budget-friendly option for an aviation survival kit should consider the Life Gear Wings of Life Emergency Survival Kit.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Life Gear Wings of Life Emergency Survival Kit on Amazon.
3. Best for Communication: Garmin inReach Mini
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.04 x 3.9 x 1.03 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Battery Life: Up to 90 hours
Performance
The Garmin inReach Mini is a communication device that allows you to send and receive text messages, track your location, and more. The device is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you in your aircraft.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the Garmin inReach Mini is the ability to send and receive text messages, even when you're out of cell phone range. The device also includes an SOS button, which can be used to signal for help in case of an emergency.
Recent Updates
Garmin recently updated the inReach Mini with improved battery life and the ability to pair with other Garmin devices.
Benefits
- Allows you to send and receive text messages
- Includes an SOS button for emergencies
- Small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you in your aircraft
Drawbacks
- More expensive than other survival kits on the market
- Requires a subscription to use all features
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who are looking for a communication device that can be used in case of an emergency should consider the Garmin inReach Mini.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Garmin inReach Mini on Amazon or directly from Garmin.
4. Best for Water Emergencies: ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB
Specifications
- Dimensions: 1.95 x 4.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Battery Life: Up to 35 hours
Performance
The ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB is a personal locator beacon that can be used to signal for help in case of an emergency. The device is designed to work in water and includes a strobe light for signaling in low-light conditions.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB is the inclusion of a digital display, which shows important information such as GPS coordinates and battery life. The device is also designed to float in water, making it easy to locate in case of an emergency.
Benefits
- Designed to work in water
- Includes a strobe light for signaling in low-light conditions
- Digital display shows important information
Drawbacks
- More expensive than other survival kits on the market
- Requires registration with NOAA to use
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who frequently fly over water or in areas where water emergencies are a concern should consider the ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the ACR Electronics AquaLink View PLB on Amazon or directly from ACR Electronics.
5. Best for Medical Emergencies: Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Material: Nylon
Performance
The Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series is a comprehensive medical kit that includes a variety of items such as bandages, medications, and more.
The kit is designed to handle a variety of medical emergencies and is ideal for private pilots who want to be prepared for any situation.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series is the inclusion of a comprehensive medical guide, which can help you diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. The kit also includes medications for pain relief and allergies.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical kit
- Includes a medical guide for diagnosing and treating medical conditions
- Includes medications for pain relief and allergies
Drawbacks
- More expensive than other survival kits on the market
- Slightly larger and heavier than other survival kits
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who want to be prepared for medical emergencies while flying should consider the Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Adventure Medical Kits Professional Series on Amazon.
6. Best for Cold Weather: Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 6 inches
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Material: Reflective polyethylene
Performance
The Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy is a lightweight and compact shelter that can be used to stay warm in cold weather. The bivvy is made from reflective polyethylene, which helps to retain body heat.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy is the inclusion of a drawstring hood, which can be used to trap in even more body heat. The bivvy is also designed to be reusable, making it a cost-effective option for private pilots.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact
- Reflective material helps to retain body heat
- Includes a drawstring hood for trapping in more body heat
Drawbacks
- Not as durable as other survival kits on the market
- May not be suitable for extreme cold weather conditions
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who frequently fly in cold weather conditions should consider the Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Pro Bivvy on Amazon.
7. Best for Food and Water: Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 7 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
- Material: Nylon
Performance
The Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit is a comprehensive survival kit that includes a variety of items such as food, water, and first aid supplies. The kit is designed to provide enough supplies for two people for up to 72 hours.
What Sets This Product Apart
One of the unique features of the Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit is the inclusion of high-quality food and water supplies.
The kit includes a variety of freeze-dried meals and water pouches, as well as a water filtration system.
Benefits
- Comprehensive survival kit that includes food, water, and first aid supplies
- High-quality food and water supplies that are designed to last for up to 5 years
- Includes a water filtration system for purifying water from natural sources
Drawbacks
- More expensive than other survival kits on the market
- Slightly larger and heavier than other survival kits
Who Should Buy This Product?
Private pilots who want to be prepared for a variety of survival situations, including food and water shortages, should consider the Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Sustain Supply Co. Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit on Amazon.
Choosing the Right Survival Kit
As a private pilot, I know how important it is to have a reliable survival kit on board. When choosing a survival kit, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things I look for:
Compact and Lightweight
As a pilot, space is limited, and weight is a significant concern. That's why I prefer survival kits that are compact and lightweight.
Look for kits that are designed specifically for aviation use, such as the Verifygear 17 in 1 Survival Kit. This basic kit is small enough to fit in your pocket, yet it contains all the essentials you need to survive in an emergency.
Waterproof and Weather Resistant
Weather conditions can change quickly, and you need a survival kit that can withstand the elements.
Look for kits that are waterproof and weather-resistant, such as the Adventure Medical Kits SOL Origin Survival Tool. This kit is made from durable materials and includes a waterproof case to protect your gear.
Quality and Durability
When it comes to survival gear, quality and durability are essential. You want a kit that will last for years and can withstand heavy use.
Look for kits that are made from high-quality materials, such as the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit. This kit is designed by a veteran pilot and includes a variety of tools that can help you survive in any situation.
Prices
Survival equipment and kits can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. While it's essential to choose a kit that fits your budget, don't skimp on quality.
Look for a pilot survival kit that includes all the essentials you need to survive in an emergency, such as a first aid kit, a compass, and a fire starter.
Improving & Customizing Your Aviation Survival Kit
According to the survey conducted by AOPA, 81% of pilots carry some form of survival gear on board. The majority of pilots carry a pre-packaged survival kit, while others create their own kits based on their needs and preferences.
The survey also found that pilots often customize their survival kits based on the type of flying they do. For example, pilots who fly over water may carry additional items such as a life raft or flotation device, while pilots who fly over mountainous terrain may carry items such as a signaling device or cold weather gear.
Additionally, pilots who fly in remote areas may carry more extensive survival kits than those who fly in populated areas.
