Lifejacket CAA Requirements?
 

Hi,

I am new here so sorry if this is in the wrong place. I'm trying to understand if there are any minimum CAA life jacket requirements in the UK? I'm looking to fly from Southend to France and the Isle of Wight in a PA28-180.

Thanks

No requirements for a private flight.

But it used to be the case that a flight plan to France got rejected if you didn't tick the box for jackets.

I'm not sure how that worked, thinking about it, as that information is not part of the FPL message that gets transmitted.

I would suggest that lifejackets (worn, not under the seat) is a minimum recommendation for an SEP channel crossing. Crossing the Solent, I wouldn't bother.

Some good advice in here about lifejackets:-

Ditching

I believe France require a PLB for over water etc

Good information in the CAA document.

If traveling with others, I'd seriously consider meeting them on the other side of the Channel. You can then keep the liferaft on the front seat.

Boating and paddlesport suppliers may offer drysuits at a better price than aviation products.

Rafts are highly variable in quality. Good ones are expensive.

EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) - Ditching an Aircraft Note that most of the stories there are warm water ditchings.

Having recently bought one the main issues are:

1) needs not to be self-inflating otherwise it can trap you in the aircraft
2) You need a crotch strap
3) Said crotch strap ideally doesn't leave a big knot in the small of your back
4) A spray hood is also a good idea

No practical experience thankfully

Assuming you've bought a lifejacket, not a liferaft. I a!most always wear a lifejacket bought from a marine supplier. I have no problems in a Jodel DR1050. With only lap and diagonal seat belts, accidental inflation is startling, but not a problem. Once I didn't notice the "Pull" toggle was showing, and caught it on something. With clamshell doors, egress if right-way-up should not be a problem.

Part-NCO requires them for over water flights. Other items, rafts, flares, etc. are at PiC discretion.

Thanks all for your help!