nwcmc(at)tiscali.co.uk
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 Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:49 am Post subject: Europa flotation in the event of ditching |
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My Europa is a Classic so has adequate foam for flotation provided the
wings remain attached after a ditching. One option for XS owners is to
include polystyrene pellets (like that used in packaging) within the
unused voids in the wing. These weigh next to nothing and would provide
significant buoyancy.
A floating aircraft after a ditching is a useful survival aid. It helps
provide both protection and location which are the two most important
aids to survival. However even when floating the aircraft may or may not
provide significant protection depending on sea conditions and final
attitude of the aircraft.
Back in 1995 a colleague of mine nearly lost his life in the English
Channel when his liferaft didn't work after his aircraft sunk. He was
only in the water 35 minutes but it took 2 days in hospital to overcome
the hypothermia. It was estimated that he would have only lasted a about
a further 20 minutes and this was at one of the warmest times of year
for water temperature. Having done sea survival training I am firmly
convinced that dry suits are the best safety aid along with a PLB. Even
in hot summer conditions they are not uncomfortable to wear. Flying at
higher altitudes with vents open and the suit partially unzipped ensures
adequate comfort levels.
Nigel Charles
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