Father finds son using helicopter in Australia

Just illustrates the needs we discuss here so often, have a plan, have some basic equipment (not sure if he could have used it because of injuries), let people know where you are going and the route you will use. Turned out well, but many such accidents have not.

Reading the story, I am aghast at the statement by the person taking the father's report that he had just run away. That's way too hasty a conclusion.

Our practice, when receiving such a report,is to basically take it at face value, but often to start an ancillary investigation as to whether other factors might be involved. Sometimes they were,and some times they weren't. But you respond promptly and don't just blow off the report...

Just makes the point to not let yourself be dependent on authorities.