..FAQ

 

What Type of Emergency and Survival Equipment am I required to have for Overwater Flights?

The type of emergency and survival equipment you are required by the FAA to carry for overwater operations depends on three things:

  1. What FAR part you are operating under (91, 121, 125, or 135)? If you are operating an aircraft you must know this – It’s the law!
  2. How far over the water are you flying?
  3. What FAR part your aircraft is certificated under (23, 25, 27, or 29)? If you are not sure, consult the manufacturer.

First,  answer these three questions. Then, using Table 1 below, determine the equipment needed for your operation and the route you are flying. If Table 1 indicates you are required to carry a life raft, use Table 2 to determine the type of life raft (Type I or Type II) you are required to carry based on the category of aircraft you operating.

Example:  You are a Part 135 air taxi operator flying a Cessna 172. You are flying a route that takes you 65 miles from shore. From Table 1, you can determine that for your operation and route, you need  life preservers, a raft, and an ELT attached to the raft.  Per Note {7}, you do not need a First Aid Kit since you do not have more than 19 seats on the plane. Now go to Table 2. The Cessna 172 is a 4 person, single propeller airplane certificated under Part 23. Therefore, you can use a Type I or Type II life raft.

For Part 121 operations and transport category aircraft certificated for ditching, at least two life rafts per aircraft are required. Refer to Note {4} under Table 1 and Note {b} under Table 2.