Bucket List / Experience Goals
Survive A Plane Crash
Still to do
Strap into a fuselage, hit the water, turn upside down and fight your way out, then do it all again.
The adventure
Ditching training is as close as anyone sensible gets to a plane crash. You strap into a cabin or helicopter module mounted over a deep pool, the instructor gives the signal, and the whole thing drops into the water. Cold water floods in around your legs and chest, and then the module rolls upside down.
Everything you practised now has to happen in the dark and the noise, holding your breath. Find the exit with your hand, keep hold of a reference point, release your belt, push out the window and kick for the surface. Then come the life jackets, the life raft and the drill of helping each other aboard. Most people surface laughing, soaked and shaky, and leave knowing exactly what to do if the worst ever happens.
Why it’s epic
- Underwater escape training is routine for offshore oil and gas workers and military aircrew, who practise it regularly.
- Simulators flip a mock-up fuselage upside down in a pool so you practise escaping by feel.
- Courses cover the brace position, life jackets, life rafts and sea survival.
- Most aircraft accidents are survivable, and knowing where your nearest exit is improves your chances.
What it is
This one is about surviving a controlled crash: training centres simulate ditching and cabin evacuation.
How to do it
Some aviation training centres offer sea survival or ditching courses to the public.
Top tip
It's the closest you can safely get to this one.
Need to know
- Courses are run by offshore and aviation safety training centres, mostly for industry; some accept members of the public, so ask directly.
- You need to be comfortable in water, and some centres require a medical declaration.
- If you'd rather keep your feet dry, flying lessons or aerobatic flights are a thrilling alternative.
Make it happen
Why it’s on my list
Probably the most unusual, bizarre entry on my bucket list, which prompts the most questions. The main one being, WHY!?!?
It’s tough one to explain, I love flying, I have spent a lot of time in aeroplanes, I also love adrenaline, and a buzz, hence skydiving and bungee jumping and many other things that people may consider a little crazy!!
Obviously I want to survive, along with everybody else who happens to be on the plane, and wish for nobody to hurt on the ground either. I guess I will never be able to explain this one.
Regardless, I am in no rush to tick this one off, just in case it goes a little wrong!
Comments