Aviation Life Vests

FlyingScot

FlyingScot

Spanish Proficient
I need some information for a part 91 flight coming up that may have some water crossings.

Are they required for part 91?

Which ones should I get?

I know you can't bring CO2 onboard but can i check them in on a commercial flight if needed?
 
Part 91 operations in light aircraft can legally be conducted with a single cell life preserver, or none at all for that matter. For flights less than 50 miles from land even commercial operators are allowed to make do with a lowly single cell vest (Individual Floatation Device), though few actually do. Part 135 and other commercial operations require an approved unit (TSO C13) for extended overwater flights. The TSO used to require at least two separate inflation cells but, that was changed a while back to allow single-cell vests, in line with European regulations. Required or not, have them on board.

Double cell are the best vests, IMO. Switlik are excellent: http://www.aviationsurvival.com/Life-Vests-Jackets_c_3.html

The aren't cheap but they are well made/excellent quality, comfortable, and are the best I have seen. Look through all the categories.

It's my understanding that the vests can be carried onto a commercial flight or checked in with your luggage. Campers and boaters take them along. I would check with the carrier before hand to make sure, however because they all seem to have their own policies.
 
Thanks guys,
Just got the go ahead to outfit the plane with vests from the boss. We had crossed water before without them and I was not comfortable even though I was pretty sure it was legal part 91. I saw one place would not ship via air. I also know you can't bring a CO2 cartridge on a plane. I carried on a micro bike pump once that had a CO2 cartridge and was stopped by the TSA and had it taken. It took over 20 minutes and I missed my flight as a result. The silly part is I am pretty sure the life vest under the seats of airplanes are CO2 charged.
 
FlyingScot said:
Thanks guys,
Just got the go ahead to outfit the plane with vests from the boss. We had crossed water before without them and I was not comfortable even though I was pretty sure it was legal part 91. I saw one place would not ship via air. I also know you can't bring a CO2 cartridge on a plane. I carried on a micro bike pump once that had a CO2 cartridge and was stopped by the TSA and had it taken. It took over 20 minutes and I missed my flight as a result. The silly part is I am pretty sure the life vest under the seats of airplanes are CO2 charged.
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@FlyingScot

Were you trying to carry the cartridge on board or did you have it in checked baggage? You can't carry them on board like you used to just a few years ago apparently, from some further research I just did. I took mine on a fishing trip and had no issues, but now the rule has changed yet again. The ever changing rules from hell. lol Also, the last I knew was that SWA for example, allowed them in checked luggage and I think USAir didn't allow them at all. I would check with each carrier to see what their policy is.

I also found this online and it states they are allowed in checked baggage by the TSA but not in carry on luggage:

TSA Lets Inflatable Life Jackets Fly

August 4, 2007 - After months of revising regulations for security and carry-on items for commercial airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided to allow passengers to board planes with personal inflatable life jackets, plus two spare CO2 cylinders. The change took place August 4, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Inflatables and cartridges were allowed by TSA, but then banned in August 2006 after the plot was uncovered in London to use liquids as explosives.

Groups from the Coast Guard to BoatU.S. and US SAILING have been after TSA to clarify a confusing set of rules. One caveat for boaters: even though TSA regs allow inflatables with cartridges on board planes, individual airlines may still prohibit them. Check with your carrier to see what their policy is.

Boating safety advocates have been promoting the wider use of light, comfortable inflatable devices for years. Many boat racers and anglers travel the country, and the world, to compete in regattas and tournaments and want to bring their own life jackets when they fly. To ship devices ahead of time or buy them at a destination can be expensive or inconvenient. Ironically, boaters’ inflatable life jackets are generally the same as the flotation devices the airlines stow under the seats for emergency use.

The new policy is listed at the TSA Web site: www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm; look under Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items for small compressed gas cylinders.
 
Thanks G,
When I had the CO2 confiscated I was jumpseating on SWA but it was TSA that took cartridge.

I had planned on bringing my boating PFD if the boss did not outfit the plane with some. My plan is to have them shipped to the plane which is out of state now and from there I will be leaving to fly across the Gulf of Mexico. If I can't ship them, I have found a source in Texas for the Switliks and will make a fuel stop there and pick them up if need be. Anyone has suggestions for a good place to stop for fuel and catering in Dallas, otherwise I will stop in Austin for some BBQ.
 
Business Jets at Love has everything. They were really top notch the last time I used them, which was a while back. They even have an online service order that you can fill out and send to them ahead of time.
 
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