Federal Aviation Regulations on a Personal Flotation Device

Airlines must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Among the regulations are specifications for personal flotation devices for passenger airplanes. This article explains what the FAA is, discusses the law governing flotation devices, explains the particular requirements and lists the additional requirements for water landings of airplanes.

What is the Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the oversight and regulation of airline carriers. Thus, the FAA oversees and regulates the use of personal flotation devices on airlines.

What is the Applicable Law Pertaining to Flotation Devices on Airlines

Airlines are subject to the Federal Aviation Act. The FAA issues regulations to carry out the act. The FAA regulations are published in the United States Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations for emergency flotation devices are in Title 14, Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Airplanes capable of carrying 20 passengers or more, or have a maximum load of 6,000 pounds or more, are subject to these regulations.

What Is Required By the Law

A life preserver with a locater light is required for every occupant of the plane. The flotation device must be located with the reach of the passenger and readily removable by the passenger.

What are Flotation Means

The regulation requires a life preserver but it alternatively permits approved "flotation means." Flotation means consist of a seat cushion, life preserver or a combination of devices.

Other Types of Devices

Passenger airplanes are also required to carry life rafts capable of carrying all airplane occupants. Also, for each life raft, the airline must carry: a canopy for sun shade, radar reflectors, life raft repair kit, a bailing water bucket, signaling whistle, mirror, knife, carbon dioxide bottle for inflation, two oars, a rope, magnetic compass, dye marker, flashlight with "D" batteries, at least one pyrotechnic signaling device, a two-day supply of food with 1,000 calories for each occupant, sea water kit or water for each occupant, a fishing kit and a book on survival for the area of the airplane's route.