Stash Away, One-Stop Crash Preparedness

Lightspeed Aviation, purveyor of noise-cancelling headsets and other essential flight equipment, has released their Aviation Survival Gear Kit, an easy, compact, all-in-one solution to off-airport landings.

Designed by pilots to maximize capability in a lightweight footprint roughly equivalent to a headset case, Lightspeed aims to simplify survival requisitions for owners and pilots who want to spend more time flying, and less time researching equipment to assemble a kit from scratch. 

Leveraging their expertise gleaned from their custom pilot bags, they created a small canvas tote with external MOLLE webbing, external hook velcro for patches, and straps for easy carry. Weighing in at 10 ounces, the bag measures 8"x4"x6", compact enough for stowage in most GA craft. The interior features multiple elasticated straps for organization, along with a mesh, zippered pocket to maintain at-a-glance assessment of the contents without openings. The canvas has been fully waterproofed for increased longevity. 

Included in the kit are the bare essentials for a (hopefully) brief stay awaiting search and rescue, or a friend's backcountry SuperCub to hitch a ride out on. Shelter, water, fire, first aid, and signaling are all accounted for. A makeshift covering from 5 yards of Duct tape, a 5x7-foot emergency reflective blanket, and paracord can be rigged up for shelter from the elements, with storm-proof matches, water purifying AquaTabs, and a collapsible cup to stay warm and hydrated. Exposure to the elements can be made more bearable through the included chapstick, sunscreen, Tecnu skin cleanser for poison ivy and oak oils, as well as Cala-Gel anti-itch lotion, bug repellant, and nitrile gloves. Signaling can be accomplished through the glow sticks, mirror, whistle, and paracord along with the reflective blanket. 

Making due with minimal space, lightspeed packed in a multi-tool shovel with blade and serrated edges, a ruler, wrench, nail puller, bottle/can opener, and extra cording. At first glance it may not appear particularly luxurious for digging a deep latrine, or carving out a snow cave in the dead of winter, but there are few implements on the market that can be packed away in an LSA cubby in between half-empty oil bottles and a sectional chart from 2003.

Finally, for those unaccustomed to survival in the wild, a deck of small 4x6 reference cards provide on-the-go learners with simple, easy instruction on staying alive. Topics include first aid, fire, water, shelter, basic knots, and mental toughness tips. The cards are available solo through Lightspeed's website. 

The entire kit weighs in at 35 ounces, and both bag and kit can be purchased separately.

FMI: www.lightspeedaviation.com