Wear Your Life Jacket From Start-Up to Shutdown

Most GA cockpits are too cramped to safely reach and put on a life jacket in an emergency. Trying to unbuckle and put one on after an engine failure or during a forced landing is, in most cases, unrealistic. Wearing it from start-up to shutdown means you're always ready to pull the inflation tag without delay or fumbling.

Never tuck the yellow inflation tag inside the vest. In cold, rough water, struggling to find it could be the difference between staying afloat and going under. Keep it visible and easy to reach at all times.

A local pilot's experience

A local pilot who ditched off the top of the South Island after an engine failure survived nearly an hour in the water, largely thanks to his life jacket. He wore it correctly, with crotch straps, a water-activated strobe light and a spray hood. The hood helped shield his face from the waves and had high-visibility reflectors that played a key role in helping rescuers find him.

Even with that level of preparation, he later reflected on what he would do differently:

"I had three other life jackets in the plane, but two were in the baggage compartment. If mine had failed, I would have been in serious trouble. Next time, I'd keep the spares in the back seat or within arm's reach. That small change could save someone else's life."

He also recommended carrying a waterproof marine VHF radio and a visual marker such as a diving safety sausage to improve your visibility in the water.

Read his full story in the CAA Vector article Out of the blue.