LIFE VESTS AND FLOTATION DEVICES are essential safety equipment for pilots and passengers flying over water, offering protection in case of a ditching or water landing. Here’s an overview of common types found in aviation shops:
1. Inflatable Life Vests
- Manually Inflated Vests: These lightweight vests must be inflated by pulling a cord attached to a CO₂ cartridge. They are compact and often have a low-profile design, making them easy to wear during the flight.
- Automatic Inflation Vests: Automatically inflate upon water contact, though most also have a manual inflation option. They are particularly useful for passengers unfamiliar with life vest operation.
- Dual-Chamber Life Vests: Feature two separate inflatable chambers to provide redundancy in case of a puncture. These are especially recommended for offshore flights.
2. Aviation-Specific Life Vests
- Aviation Life Vests: Designed specifically for pilots and passengers, aviation life vests are typically compact, lightweight, and easy to stow in the cockpit. They often come with pockets for storing signal mirrors, whistles, or waterproof lights.
- PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices): Available in both inflatable and non-inflatable styles, these PFDs are optimized for aviation use and are comfortable for prolonged wear during the flight.
3. Flotation Cushions and Seat Cushions
- Flotation Cushions: Dual-purpose seat cushions designed to serve as flotation devices in an emergency. They’re often used in commercial aircraft and can be easily grabbed during an evacuation.
- Inflatable Seat Cushions: Compact, inflatable cushions that double as flotation aids, offering comfort during the flight and emergency flotation if needed.
4. Life Rafts
- Single- and Multi-Person Life Rafts: Designed for extended overwater flights, life rafts are compact and come in different sizes to accommodate small to large groups. They often include additional survival gear like paddles, an emergency canopy, and signaling devices.
- Aviation-Grade Life Rafts: Aviation life rafts are compact, easy to deploy, and often include a repair kit, emergency locator beacon, and survival instructions.
5. Flotation Devices for Children
- Children’s Life Vests: Smaller vests designed to fit children securely. They typically have adjustable straps and often come with handles for easy lifting.
- Infant Life Preservers: Designed specifically for infants, these preservers are often equipped with a flotation collar to keep the infant’s head above water and ensure a safe floating position.
6. Additional Safety Features
- Integrated Whistles and Lights: Most aviation life vests come with built-in whistles and reflective patches. Some also include battery-operated LED lights that automatically activate upon water contact, aiding in nighttime visibility.
- Survival Gear Pockets: Many life vests and flotation devices have dedicated pockets or pouches for storing compact survival tools like a signaling mirror, waterproof flashlight, or emergency rations.
7. Compact and Stowable Designs
- Packable and Pouch-Based Designs: Life vests that fold compactly into pouches, making them easy to store in seat pockets or attach to flight bags for quick access.
- Waist-Belt PFDs: These are worn around the waist and can be quickly inflated. They are a discreet option and are often favored by pilots and passengers who prefer not to wear a traditional vest-style PFD.
8. Accessories for Life Vests and Flotation Devices
- Replacement CO₂ Cartridges: Important for maintaining the functionality of inflatable life vests; pilots should check these cartridges periodically and replace them if necessary.
- Waterproof Storage Bags: Protective bags for storing life vests and flotation devices to keep them dry and easily accessible in the cockpit.
- Survival Signal Kits: Small kits with a whistle, signal mirror, and waterproof flashlight that can be stored with life vests or in survival pockets on PFDs.
These life vests and flotation devices are crucial for enhancing safety on flights over water, especially for single-engine or general aviation pilots flying offshore or near large bodies of water. They provide peace of mind and essential protection, ensuring that pilots and passengers are prepared in the event of an emergency water landing.