In the latest episode of the FAA’s Pilot Minute video series, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup outlines some important desert survival strategies and provides information on free post-crash training offered by the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute.
I’ve flown from northern Califorina , across Death Valley, the Mojave, southern Arizona and southern New Mexico.
I selected a route that was always within gliding distance of a major highway. I avoided some direct routing where there were no roads , and the added flying time for those legs was usually 10-15 minutes in a Cessna 172, flying at 120 mph.
So, one can plan a safe route and avoid a possible off airport landing in mountain and desert areas, without adding much flying time.
A couple of 10-15 minute diversions in a 3-4 hour leg will only add 15-16% to the total time.
I fly the Rockies eastern NM to Oregon. There’s no reason not to be near well traveled highways, particularly if you use altitude.