Annual Scholarships Awarded

Survive and Get Home

Annual Scholarships Awarded
PVPA Scholarships were again handed out at the September meeting. Scholarships are handed out to deserving students from both the Mt. Sac and Chaffee college aviation programs. This year the winners from Mt Sac were Brian Trunnell for power plant and Eric Leos for airframe. Derrick Alatorre won for pilot training and Phillip Schmidt took home the ATC prize.

All the winners from Chaffee are studying to be A&P mechanics. They are Michael Sherwood, William Mc Elhaney and his brother Thomas Elhaney and Manny Reichl. Congratulations to all the winners.

Left to right: Robert Rogus, Co Chair, Mt Sac, Derrick Alatorre, Phillip Schmidt, and Linda Rogus, Co Chair, Mt Sac Aviation program.	Left to right: Michael Sherwood, William Mc Elhaney, Virginia Harmer, representing PVPA, Thomas Elhaney and Manny Reichl.

Survive and Get Home
Dennis Melton Spoke to the September meeting of PVPA. He has spent 15 years with LA County Sheriff's San Dimas Mountain Rescue Team as an EMT, Squad Leader, and Training Officer. Dennis is certified by the Mountain Rescue Association for all types of rescue on call to go anywhere on a moments notice. He has participated in searches and rescues throughout the Western US and has trained with various organizations, including the Air Force, Marine Corps, Border Patrol, LA County Fire Department, Mountain Rescue Association, National Association of Search and Rescue, and many other search and rescue teams. His participation has consisted of all types of rescues including downed aircraft, lost or injured hikers, cars over the side, high rise evacuation, swift water rescue, and underwater search and recovery.

Dennis spent the evening showing and explaining his “Get home bag,” a collection of this and that, which in an emergency could mean the difference in survival or a less than desirable outcome. Below is a list of what Dennis stuffs into a remarkably small backpack. This is a survival pack, carried in your airplane or car for two people for 24 to 72 hours. (O)=Optional. ** For personal use only.

To Find Your Way:

• Maps
• Compass
• GPS (w/ Extra Batteries) (O)
• Headlamp (2) (w/ Extra Batteries)
• Compass
• Flashlight (w/ Extra Batteries)

For Your Protection:

Extra Clothing:

• Poncho (2)
• Wool Watch Cap (2)
• Wool Glove Liners (2)
• Work Gloves
• Bandana (2)
• Hat (Sun) (2)

Extra Food & Water:

• Water (2-3 liters)
• MRE's (2) or Dried Food
• Candy or Energy Bars (4-6)
• Cup of Soup (2)
• Coffee or Tea Bags (4-6)
• Sugar Packets (4-6)
• Coffee Filters (2)
• Water Purification Tabs
• Sierra or Canteen Cup (2)
• Spoon (2)
• Drink Mix (2)

Emergency Shelter:

• Tarp or Tube Tent
• Space Blanket (2)
• Bivy Bag (2) (0)
• 50 ft Nylon Cord Trash Bags (2)

For Emergencies:

Signaling & Communication:

• Whistle (2)
• Signal Mirror
• Strobe Light
• Hand Held Radio (w/ Extra Batteries)
• Cell Phone (w/ Extra Battery )
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) (O)

Fire Making:

• Matches (Waterproof)
• Butane Lighter
• Flint Rod
• Candle ("Pink Lady")
• Cotton Balls w/ Petroleum Jelly

Cutting Tools:

• Pocket Knife (SAK) or
• Multi-Tool (Leatherman)

First Aid Kit:

• Personal Medications **
• 4x4 Gauze Pads (6)
• Band-Aids (6)
• Butterfly Closures (6)
• Adhesive Tape
• Triangular Bandage
• Gauze Roller Bandage (2)
• Wire Splint
• Forceps (Splinter Tweezers)
• Bandage Scissors
• Exam Gloves
• Space Blanket
• Moist Towelettes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Alcohol Swabs
• Q-Tip Swabs
• Antacid Tabs**
• Betadine Swabs
• Benedryl Tabs**
• Tylenol Tabs**
• Neosporin**

Misc.

• Toilet Paper or Baby Wipes
• Sun Block
• Lip Balm (Chap-Stick)
• Insect Repellant
• Note Pad
• Pencil or Pen
• Duct Tape
• Wire / Wire-Ties
• Plastic Bags (Zip-Lock)
• Dust Mask (N95) (2)
• Toiletries
• Cash