An interesting article in the January 2004 AOPA FLIGHT TRAINING
magazine, Checkride column by Dave Wilkerson.
An article in a recent edition of THE FEDERAL AIR SURGEON'S MEDICAL
BULLETIN (http://www2.faa.gov/avr/aam/fasb597/31.htm)
relates the following:
The average time between an aircraft's last know position (LKP) and
rescue varies widely based on the type of flight plan filed.
When an IFR flight plan is in use, an average of 13 hours and 6 minutes
elapse from the LKP to rescue.
When a VFR flight plan is in use, an average of 37 hours and 18 minutes
elapse from LKP to rescue.
When no flight plan is in use, an average of 42 hours and 24 minutes
elapse from LKP to rescue.
This is incidental information.
The topic of discussion in the article was survival equipment and
questions regarding it on the Private Pilot PTS and the question, "What
does the examiner want to hear?"
The answer given, at least the survival gear outlined at the end of
Chapter 12 of the AIRPLANE FLYING HANDBOOK. (first aid kit, flashlight,
water, knife)