I signed up for an Aviation Survival and Egress Training. I wasn't sure what to expect because all I really knew was that it was a water survival traning, so I was a little intimidated.
The directions to get to the building are simple, unless you follow Waze, which in that case, you just need to look across the street from the main terminal at Groton regional.
Upon entering, I was greeted and walked to my classroom where I met the instructor, Danny. He introduced himself and asked me what my job duties were just to get to know me.
After a quick tour of the facility and going over basic safety and housekeeping rules, class started. It is a wealth of information and going over what to expect in the water. During class, I was mentally working myself up into a panic because of my personal fear of failing, which I highly suggest NOT doing.
After lunch, we got changed into our swimsuits and flightsuits and proceeded to the pool. I am still panicking failure, but I just kept trying to remember the morning class of what I needed to do.
They have several divers who will get you if you start to have issues underwater and need to come up, but if you don't panic and take a little longer to put classroom lessons into action, the instructors and divers let you have your time.
By the end of class, I ended up loving everything. The instructors are so patient and helpful and answer all questions you have or talk you through any difficulties you have during the practicals. They are really supportive and I couldn't have asked for a better experience to learn how to survive a water landing in an airplane.
I HIGHLY recommend Survival Systems. It may not be your cup of tea for training, but I find it important for EVERYONE who flies to take this training. Hopefully, you never have to use it. And don't be like me and get into your own head; just take the course as it is and you will succeed. read more