I am a student at the Carson Air Flight School, in Kelowna BC, and I am currently in my last few months of training on a BE-76. My school offers to its students, not only flight training, but a variety of courses that will prepare us for our futures in aviation.

One of these courses is an optional underwater egress program for pilots.

When presenting this program, Bryan Webster, who owns Aviation Egress Systems Ltd, based out of Victoria, BC, informed us that not just float pilots can use this course. So, I decided that no matter where I fly, this would be worth it. When I took the course, it started off with a couple hours of ground school, and a presentation on some really scary facts about water accidents, Bryan did a great job in teaching us how to put on, and use life preservers properly, and how to prepare for ditching, as well as other life saving facts.

After the ground school we headed over to the indoor swimming pool where Bryan had set up, to put the theory to use. Secured to the lip of the pool was what looked like a giant slide. Bryan has three cockpit simulators that slide down into the water to reproduce a crash situation. It is very surprising to experience what your body goes through when in panic mode, while belted upside down in black water. My very first time into the water, I panicked and started thrashing.

I have signed up for this training every year that Bryan comes to my school, because it is easily the most useful, practical training that I have ever received. Though I hope I never use the training, I am on my way into the industry with a new confidence.

My next problem: finding my first job.

Kim Lindstrom
Kelowna BC