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I build every Doug Ritter Aviator Survival Pak like my life depended upon it...because your life might! Doug Ritter Ultimate Aviator Survival Paks Introductory Pricing Available NOW

For an article in Flight Training (April 1995, "Survival - Life After The Crash") and in AOPA PILOT (April 1996, "Prepared To Survive") which focus on the basics of survival and survival kits, I developed a list of survival kit contents for a Basic Two Person Aviation Survival Kit representing the minimum I think ought to be included. With reasonable quality to better quality components you can probably expect to spend somewhere between $500 and $1,000, or more. If you go for ultralight components to save weight, the price can quickly double as these components are disproportionally more expensive. This kit can serve as the basis for a more comprehensive kit which you can assemble over time by adding items as your budget permits. By itself, this kit gives you the basic necessities required for a temperate climate survival situation.

Quantities of some items will need to be increased for more passengers and items added or adjusted for specific climates. Add more water and sunscreen as well as shade hats and sun glasses for desert areas; add cold weather clothing, sun glasses or snow goggles, snow shoes, a multi-fuel stove and quick erecting tent perhaps for frigid or Arctic areas; mosquito headnets, netting and extra bug repellent for areas with severe bug problems; a machete for the tropics; etc. Additional items, personal gear, more medical equipment and supplies, spare batteries, a collapsing shovel or hand spade and a water purifier/filter, for example, would be advantageous for any situation. This list is a place to start, not the end. Above all, insist on quality gear that won't let you down. You are betting your life and the lives of your passengers on this gear.

(Please note that the list below has changed over the years as I have updated it based on improved gear, supplies and experience and the photo of the kit below no longer accurately reflects the exact contents recommended. One of these days I need to take a new photo...)

BASIC TWO PERSON
AVIATION SURVIVAL KIT

Qty.	Survival Equipment or Supplies
SIGNALING GROUP
1	Signal Mirror, 3 x 5 inch
2	Whistles
EMERGENCY DEVICES GROUP
1	Knife - fixed blade, 4 - 6 inch, drop point, plain edge, with sheath
1	Multi-Tool with locking blade(s) and tools
1	Knife Sharpener
1	Survival Saw
1	Compass
2	Windproof/Waterproof Matches
1	Flint style Fire Starter
-	Tinder (qty. sufficient to start min. 6 fires, may be included with fire starter)
1	Survival Candle
1	Fishing Kit (mostly for entertainment)
1	Lithium Battery Powered LED Flashlight w/ spare batteries *
SHELTER and PERSONAL PROTECTION GROUP
1	Ripstop Nylon Tarp, 8 ft. x 10 ft. or 2-person Tube Tent
2	Poly (not Mylar) Emergency Blankets or Emergency Bivvy Saks
2	Lightweight Plastic Ponchos
1 pr.	Leather Work Gloves
2	Bandannas
1	Insect Repellant *
1	Sunscreen SPF-30+ *
1	Lip Balm SPF-30+ *
Optional (advisable for cold climates)
-	Chemical Hand Warmers, 12-20 hour *
-	Cold Weather Gear incl. knit caps, socks, gloves, thermal underwear, sleeping bags, etc.
MEDICAL GROUP
1	Wilderness First Aid Kit supplemented with extra supplies, bandages, and if desired, prescription drugs *
(The following quantities include those in the medical kit)
2	Trauma Dressing
4	Gauze Compress
1	Elastic Bandage, 3"
1	Triangular Bandages
-	Essential Personal Medications (carry at least 1 week supply on person) *
WATER and FOOD GROUP
2 qts.	Water in sealed container(s) (2 gals., or more, in arid climates) (If water in flex-paks, include at least one Canteen or Water Bag) *
-	Water Disinfectant Tablets or Water Purifier sufficient to disinfect at least 5 gallons of water*
Optional
-	Hard Candy, Gum, etc. as desired (not a substitute for real survival rations, but good for quick energy and a morale booster)*
-	Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, flavored/sports drink mix, bouillon cubes, etc. as desired *
2	2400 Calorie Survival Rations per person *
MISCELLANEOUS / MULTI-PURPOSE GROUP
1	Toilet Paper
50 ft.	550 lb. test mil-spec Parachute Cord
50 ft.	roll Utility Wire
10 sq.ft.	Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
4	Zipper Lock Plastic Freezer Bags, gallon
8	Zipper Lock Plastic Freezer Bags, quart
4	Heavy Duty Garbage Bags, 30+ gal. size
1	metal pot or container suitable for use over a fire
1	Duct Tape
2	Sewing Kit including needles, medium & large and strong thread
10	Safety Pins, medium and large
1	Notebook (best if waterproof paper)
1	Pencil or Waterproof Pen
1	Survival Manual
1	Contents List
1	Container or Pack to hold kit contents (except extra water)
* Limited useful life. All medications and many medical supplies also have a limited useful life. Keep track of expiration dates and replace as required.

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Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter
Email: Doug Ritter
URL: http://www.equipped.org/basic.htm
Revision: 011 April 10, 2006
 

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