As described in the Understanding Additional Regulations for Turbine Aircraft, additional safety gear is required for over-water operations more than 100 nm from shore. Here are some recommendations on specific gear.
Life Vests
14 CFR 91.509 (b) (1) states: "A life preserver, equipped with an approved survivor locator light, for each occupant of the airplane." An approved light follows TSO-C85a, which is basically a fancy way of stating that the FAA has inspected the light and engineering documents to ensure it follows all FAA regulations. This means that the typical marine supply store lighted life vest will not comply. Eastern Aero Marine sells the XF-35, which is approved. This vest is the same as Cessna supplied p/n P01074-207. There are various flavors of XF-35 (whistle, tape, signal kit), but all have a "water-activated, TSO-C85 approved Survivor Locator Light". This life vest is fine for passengers but not the best for crew, as it doesn't contain any pockets. It also tucks neatly under the middle row of seats. Remove the covering plastic bag as there is a protected bag inside, and the plastic bag can be hard and time-consuming to open.
For the crew, a much better choice is the Switlik Helicopter Crew Vest. There are two great things about this vest. It has deep pockets to store survival gear, such as a radio, knife, light, compass, whistle, etc. It's really comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, such as while descending for 20 minutes into an eventual ditching, when comfort is certainly going to an important criterion. Doug Ritter has a long list of items he packs into his Switlik life vest.
Life Raft
In the regulations the Life Raft and Survival Kit also have a long list of requirements. Winslow is generally regarded as having the best aviation life rafts. The Winslow Ultralight is absolute minimum required, as it is TSO C70a approved, with a model having room for six. Sportys sells this raft for $4595.
Some caveats to be aware of:
- The raft and the life vests are considered Hazmat for shipping (but not hazmat once in the plane - go figure). This typically means ground shipping, so plan accordingly.
- The raft with life vests weighs over 45 lbs. Typically the raft is placed over the potty seat of the Mustang. However, CLcalc limits the load to only 30 lbs in this space.
- The raft needs maintenance and inspection every two years. If the raft is ordered from Sportys, save the box as it is not easy or obvious to find a replacement shipping box.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
The emergency radio must "self-buoyant and water resistant". Most PLBs are water resistant but not self-buoyant. ACR used to list the AeroFix and the AquaFix which are self-buoyant but as of 26-February 2010 are no longer listed on the ACR web site. The new SARLINKs are not self-buoyant so a ditching bag may be necessary (but then it won't be water activiated). The recommended self-buoyant PLB is ACR AquaLink View.
McMurdo used to sell the Fast Find, but that company has since been acquired and the FastFind is no longer available.
Marine Radio
The next survival item, according to the Bahamas and Caribbean Pilot's Guide is a VHF marine radio. Why wait for the Coast Guard if it's possible to hail a ship a few miles away? It's always better to ditch near a ship.
As as February 2010, a great new marine VHF radio is available from Standard Horizon, the HX851, Among the long list of features is floating, 6 watts, built in GPS, etc. Best of all, it supports Digital Selective Calling to hail all boats within range while providing GPS coordinates digitally. To use this feature, the radio must be registered with BoatUS (inland), or the FCC (international / blue water). The FCC license is painless. It can be done online in one business day. License type is SA, for a portable. After the license is assigned, enter the FCC-provided MMSI number into the radio. Do this carefully, as the MMSI can only be entered once without sending it back to the factory.
Satphone
A satphone, like the Iridium 9555, is an excellent safety device, provided the correct numbers to call are known. Iridium 911 no longer works. The following numbers may work - the author has never attempted to call them.
A satphone, like the Iridium 9555, is not waterproof. Placing it in a waterproof bag would be prudent.
Ditching Procedures
The last page of Mustang Abnormal Checklist includes ditching procedures. Since it is a checklist procedure, it can be practiced in the sim. The sim faithfully reproduces a water landing with gentle rocking.
Doug Ritter has a number of articles about ditching.
In practice, it's best to decide ahead of time individual roles. Who will raise the water barrier? Where will the raft be secured? Who will secure and deploy the raft? Who will ensure that all passengers have life vests on and properly secure? Who opens the overwing exit and who is last one out?
In our operations, one person is designated as "first one out" who will 1) open the over wing exit, 2) secure the raft to the plane, using a seat belt for example, 3) deploy the raft, 4) enter the raft to catch people, 5) keep the raft close to the plane until everyone is aboard. The "last one out" ensures that 1) the water barrier is raised, 2) all passengers have their life vests on and secure, 3) all passengers exit the plane over the wing and follow the painter line to the raft. Once the last one out is on the raft, then the painter line is cut.
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