Life Vests

[klmmarine]

I am doing my commercial inst and cfi training in WA state, so I end up doing a lot of over-water flying. I am wearing a Mustang AirForce inflatable designed for work on a boat deck. I have seen vests by Switlik, and Stearns, but other than their websites I can't find dealers (especially locally in Seattle). Does anyone have any recommendations on what to wear and were to get it. Thanks for your help.

[pilot129]

Try AquaLung http://www.aqualung.com/military/datasheets.html, I use the TacAir vest with the ALPS and it's a good low profile preserver and vest combo. You can search for a distributor near you.

[Gomer Pylot]

The Switlik is pretty much the standard in the GOM. Conditions up there may be different, though, so I can't make a definite recommendation.

[beckwith]

order online. I race sailboats on mountain resivors where the wind is out to get you and the water is cold we all use mustang automatic inflating vests from APS http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d96000/e93941.asp

 

be sure you were it outside ALL your other layers

Edited October 14, 2007 by beckwith

[klmmarine]

order online. I race sailboats on mountain resivors where the wind is out to get you and the water is cold we all use mustang automatic inflating vests from APS http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d96000/e93941.asp

 

be sure you were it outside ALL your other layers

 

 

Auto Inflating Life Vests should never be worn inside an aircraft. Water survival training teaches that you wait until you are out of and clear of the aircraft before MANUALLY operating your vest. Otherwise you risk being caught inside a sinking ship.

 

I currently use a manually inflatable mustang vest, but it doesn't lay flat so it is uncomfortable under my seat belt. Better than nothing but I was looking for something more comfortable.

[Gomer Pylot]

Autoinflating vests will kill you. If you inflate the vest while still inside the aircraft, you will immediately go straight up, uncontrollably. Straight up is probably not where the opening is. The chances of that are nil. You have to get outside the aircraft, and away from everything, before inflating the vest. You have a good chance of ripping the vest on something going out, even if straight up is where an exit is. You also don't want to be wearing a standard life jacket, because it's essentially already inflated, and will prevent you from swimming to an exit. The oil companies all prohibit wearing work vests in helicopters, while requiring them on boats and on certain areas on the platforms, where a fall into the water is possible.

 

I don't know of any vests that are comfortable. I've worn the Mae West type, and the Switlik vest type, and they're all hot and bulky. The vest is my preference, and that's what most of the GOM companies have gone to for pilots, using the Mae West versions for pax. The vests hold more survival gear, and are more durable.

[beckwith]

I hadn't even thought about that but it makes sense. Thanks for looking out. like I said we use them for racing sail boats not flying.

Edited October 17, 2007 by beckwith

[Collective Down!]

I use an Eastern Aero Marine Bravo, constant wear unit.

 

 

http://www.inflatablesintl.com/Aviation%20...ravo%20Page.htm

 

 

Manual CO2 and a blow tube, and it doesn't conflict with a lap belt. It can ride the back of your neck a little bit if you don't hike it up on your chest.