Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Practice Test

Which items are required on board when planning a flight over water exceeding 100 NM?

1. Life rafts only

2. Life preservers only

3. Life preservers and life rafts

4. Pyrotechnic signaling devices only

The correct answer is: Life preservers and life rafts

When planning a flight over water exceeding 100 nautical miles, the requirements for safety equipment are stringent due to the increased risks associated with extended overwater operations. Life preservers and life rafts are both essential items for survival in the event of an emergency over water. Life preservers provide immediate flotation assistance to individuals who may find themselves in the water. They are vital for maintaining buoyancy and increasing chances of survival until help arrives. Life rafts are crucial as they offer a safe, stable platform for individuals to gather and remain protected from the elements while waiting for rescue. They typically have greater capacity for multiple occupants and can provide shelter and additional resources. The combination of life preservers and life rafts ensures that passengers have both personal flotation devices for immediate flotation and a means of collective safety in another emergency scenario. This is particularly important for flights that travel over significant stretches of water, where timely rescue might not be available. In contrast, relying solely on a single type of device, such as only life rafts or only life preservers, could leave individuals vulnerable in emergency situations, thereby failing to meet the safety requirements established for such flights. Therefore, having both life preservers and life rafts on board is necessary for ensuring the safety and well