Mandatory Lifejackets & Liferafts?
Dear All
In relation to the recent announcement reproduced below, can anyone let me know whether or not it is now mandatory to carry a liferaft for a private flight over water (eg cross channel) in circumstances where it is impractical or impossible to do so (eg single seaters). Many thanks. SC
"The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced general exemptions from the Air Navigation Order (ANO) for light aircraft engaged on non-public transport flights.
The exemptions cover the requirement in the ANO to carry an approved Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and also the requirement for approved lifejackets, life rafts and supplementary oxygen equipment.
The original change was the result of consultations conducted between April 2004 and March 2005 and a Letter of Intent issued on 29 March 2005; this letter resulted in the change to the ANO this March. Details of the consultation were posted on the CAA website, where the relevant documents are still available for viewing.
The original intention of the ANO change for lifejackets, life raft and supplementary oxygen equipment had been to require suitable equipment rather than approved equipment. Whilst the carriage of lifejackets, life-rafts and supplemental oxygen will still be required, the CAA intends to issue a general exemption stating that this equipment need not be approved. Similarly a general exemption will be issued permitting a Personal Locator Beacon to be carried, in lieu of an Emergency Locator Transmitter, whilst a further review is undertaken.
For media enquiries please contact the CAA press office on 020 7453 6030. "