March 2006 - Aviation Consumer says “AST offers the ideal overwater kit…”

The A.S.T. Overwater Survival Pouch (order here) is designed to be worn while flying with an emphasis on signaling. The main objective for any survivor is to be rescued and this can’t happen until you’re found.

It is statistically proven that when an aircraft ditches, the primary concern for the aircraft occupants is to get out of the aircraft before it sinks. The possibility that you are going to start looking for a survival kit prior to egress is very unlikely. Because the A.S.T. Over-water Survival Pouch is worn on you, it will be there for you when and if you should need it.

The pouch has three pieces of Retro-Reflective Tape attached to the outside. Although a small target, this retro-reflective tape will show up very sharply once hit with a light.

Attached to one of the two outside pockets of the pouch is a:

• Strobe Light that can be seen up to 3 miles away. This strobe will also be flashing on the retro-reflective tape thus causing an enhanced signal.

On the top of the pouch you will find:

• 14 Function Multi-Purpose Tool stainless steel, in case. Placed on top of pouch for quick access.     

In the front pocket you will find:

• Seven Steps to Survival Card w/signal mirror on back
  
• Instruction Sheet for pouch equipment application and basic survival techniques.
  
• Signal Mirror which emits 8-million candlepower from the sun’s reflection and can be seen as far as 40 miles from the air.
  
• Whistle is designed to work even when wet, is only effective for short-range surface vessels. The whistle can also be used to re-locate other survivors in your group. The whistle carries 8 times further than the human voice.
  
• Pelican Mity-Lite is a small but powerful light, which can be seen several miles away with the night vision goggles that Coast Guard crews will be using on a night search. This waterproof flashlight will also assist you by providing light as needed to locate other items in the kit, or to just have that feeling of security provided by light on a dark night.
  
• 20 Feet Nylon Line to tie items together as needed.
  
• SunX Sunscreen SPF 30 very waterproof, very sweatproof, UVA/UVB protection, oil free, non greasy.  (2pks)

In the large area of the pouch:

• First-Aid Kit for handling most minor injuries.
  
• Two Emergency Water Pouches (4.225 FL. OZ. ea.) for immediate drinking. Because water is so very important to maintain your ability to function in a survival situation, it is recommended that you do not wait to drink water.
  
• Space Blanket will not provide heat for you while you are floating in the water, but what an excellent shelter and signal it makes!  The mylar material will makes an excellent target on searching aircraft radar.In a life-raft? By opening the blanket, and placing it over your head, it serves as a sun shield.
  
• The space blanket will also provide a very good radar and visual target (orange side out for day and silver side out for night) for both air and surface searchers.
  
• Two (12 hour) Cyalume Safety Lightsticks are in the kit to provide yet another light source for that security feeling and thus providing another very effective signal for the night vision goggles.

With all these items, this kit is capable of providing the essential components needed to sustain life while attracting attention (day or night) from a very far distance. Even with all the above mentioned equipment, there is still room for you to add your own personal items such as prescribed medications, glasses, an empty pocket to place your wallet, keys etc, and an outside pocket to add an E.P.I.R.B., a VHF radio, or a cell phone. For more information, or to place an order directly with AST, click here.