In Alaska, we are required by State law to carry the following survival equipment in the aircraft at all times. This is a minimum list, and most people add to it dependent upon their own experience or requirements.
Our own requirements add a small tent, float-coat for each occupant (or life jacket- to be worn at all times if any flight over water is anticipated). We also carry strobes, hand held radios (to access the repeater system) and a life-raft on every flight - a life raft can provide excellent cover from the weather. The most important addition is a ton of bug-spray!
Some have questioned our policy regarding survival equipment, (which is considered over the top by people with no knowledge of this area), and who believe that this stuff will never be required. I believe, and hope, that they are correct.
I never fly without the gear, have never been forced into a survival situation, and hopefully never will - thus proving that all this effort is absolutely not required. Maybe this will stave off bad fortune? But if it doesn't, then at least I will have every chance of making it out of there!
From the Alaska region FAA.
http://www.alaska.faa.gov/flytoak/flttips1.htm
Emergency Equipment
Alaska law requires that no pilot may make a flight in Alaska without carrying emergency equipment.
This equipment includes:
Food for each person in the aircraft sufficient to maintain life for two weeks.
One ax or hatchet
One first aid kit
One pistol, revolver, shotgun, or rifle and ammunition as appropriate. This is for use in food gathering, protection, and to attract attention of rescue aircraft or vehicles.
One small gill net and an assortment of tackle such as hooks, flies, lines, and sinkers.
One knife
Two small boxes of matches
(We also add disposable lighters)
One mosquito headnet for each person.
Two small signaling devices, such as colored smoke bombs, signal mirrors, railroad flares, or Very pistol shells stored in sealed metal containers.
In addition, the following are required for winter travel, October through April.
One pair snowshoes
One sleeping bag
One woollen blanket for each person
You may be asked about your survival gear when filing a flight plan, but the responsibility for having it on board the aircraft is the pilot's. Complete information on survival gear and basic requirements are contained in the Alaska Supplement under the section "General Notices, General Information on Flying to Alaska (Civil)".
There is no way to tell an emergency locator beacon (ELT) test signal from the real thing. If you need to test an ELT, please restrict it to 3 sweeps during the first five minutes of the hour. If you need to make a prolonged test, take the beacon to a radio shop where it can be shielded to avoid undesired emissions.
Pilots should monitor the 121.5 emergency frequency at all times, but especially after landing to verify the ELT on board the aircraft has not been accidentally activated.