Lifejackets

If your overwater leg will take you out of safe gliding distance of land, lifejackets should be worn, un-inflated, by each occupant for the whole of the flight. Modern designs, such as the Raider and GA-1 lifejackets are designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive to wear. This is an important factor as if the lifejackets are not comfortable, there may be a temptation not to wear them. Remember, there will probably not be enough time (or space) for passengers and crew to don them in a real emergency situation. The Raider and GA-1 models are designed to be worn un-inflated, and are quick and easy to inflate once outside the aircraft.

CAA Approved, or not CAA Approved?

For Public Transport operations, under an Air Operators Certificate (AOC), CAA Approved designs, such as the Beaufort CLJ Mk20, are required. These designs are not intended for use in General Aviation, as they are not designed to be worn for the duration of the flight - they lack the durability and protective covering required for regular use. Moreover, any CAA Approvals lapse once the lifejacket is unpacked, and they require inspection and repacking at a CAA or JAR145-approved establishment before next use. These are best considered as "one-shot" designs, intended for use once-only in a real emergency. It was for this reason that the GA-1 and Raider-type designs were developed. Their design allows them to be worn, protected by a durable outer sleeve, and they are instantly ready for inflation when required. They are sufficiently comfortable, even when worn under a 5-point aerobatic harness, to not interfere with vision, movement or comfort during flight.