What is the maximum range for a twin-engine aircraft to fly over open water before having the requirement for flotation devices (vests / dinghy) under EASA-rules?
1 Answer
For landplanes
No flotation devices:
- Remain within 50 NM from "shore".
- Unless, takeoff/landing path is over water with a ditching likelihood.
Life-jackets:
- If takeoff/landing path is over water with a ditching likelihood.
- Greater than 50 NM from "land suitable for making an emergency landing".
Life-jackets and life rafts:
- Greater than 100 NM / 30 minutes at cruising speed (whichever is the lesser) from "land suitable for making an emergency landing".
- Or, for airplanes that are capable of sustaining flight to an "aerodrome" after a critical engine(s) becoming inoperative, then when greater than 400 NM / 120 min at cruising speed (whichever is the lesser) from said aerodrome(s).
Reference and more on equipment: Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 § CAT.IDE.A.285 Flight over water