forgive me ignorance (non-pilot here), but what is 'Part 29'
It's the design certification standard for large rotorcraft. Detailed guidance can be found here, including a lot of information about floatation gear certification:
http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/m...updates%29.pdf
What I really struggle to understand these days is that when you and I flew together we were in a S61 with basic sas, Decca roll maps and crap radar and we seemed to manage a higher level of safety than today.
I think that quote wins the "rose tinted spectacles of the week" award!