After watching Bigrenna's survival vest video on the web page I wondered what the average time a pilot can expect to have to survive after a crash.

According to this source the average time from last known position to rescue is 31 hours.
https://iflyamerica.org/safety-search-and-rescue.asp

IFR: 13 hrs 6 mins

VFR with Flightplan: 37 hrs 18 mins

VFR without Flightplan: 42 hrs 24 mins

I wonder how the results vary when you stratify out Alaska rescues and rescuers following a 406 signal.

MountainFlyerN22 wrote:After watching Bigrenna's survival vest video on the web page I wondered what the average time a pilot can expect to have to survive after a crash.

According to this source the average time from last known position to rescue is 31 hours.
https://iflyamerica.org/safety-search-and-rescue.asp

IFR: 13 hrs 6 mins

VFR with Flightplan: 37 hrs 18 mins

VFR without Flightplan: 42 hrs 24 mins

FWIW... This is covered in the film and used as a basis for a baseline time to construct your vest. In fact I cite this exact study.... Although I would argue one should use the longer 43hr for a baseline as most of us flying backcountry would be VFR/no flight plan.

The 13 hr time would be more likely for the V-tail operator taking his family skiing etc... Prob wont be wanting to dawn a super-commando vest and look like the dork that I do in the clip.

But please don't forget that even an MH-60 with a well qualified crew, equipped with night vision optics cannot fly in ALL weather conditions. Some of the weather those guys fly in is pretty amazing, but there are times when even they have to sit it out.

So, these times are nice to consider, but your survival PLAN should be however long it takes.

MTV

Assuming a good weather rescue, I suspect that a 406 ELT set off on the way down and a PLB used on the ground, a rescue would occur within hours--and I think that sort of situation has been documented.

But like Mike says, the best of the rescuers can't fly in crappy weather, and in many times of the year in some parts of the country, crappy weather lasts for days, not hours. So I agree that you have to be prepared to sit it out for quite some time. I don't think that's impossible, assuming a reasonably survivable landing, as long as the basic of shelter is covered. Humans can survive a long time without food, but shelter and water are pretty necessary for long term survival.

Cary

FWIW... This is covered in the film and used as a basis for a baseline time to construct your vest. In fact I cite this exact study

Your mentioning the 42.5 average rescue time was got me thinking.

I agree with you that one should plan for longer. Both mentally and physically.

Even if the rescue crew could launch in marginal weather, the survivor would be harder to locate due to the decreased visibility,low light,etc.


bigrenna,
Have you had any issues with the pouches interfering with the safety belts/harness? Do you route the harness in between the pouches?
I liked the video,your vest looks well thought out,gave me some ideas to improve mine.

Satellite tracking.