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Off shore gliding distance and Flotation gear

Asked by: 4043 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Instrument Rating, Private Pilot

From the FAR, we need to carry the flotation gear if going beyond the power off gliding distance. So is this 'power off gliding distance' depending on the altitude flown and how many miles it is gliding every 1000ft ?

 

Steve.

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Jul 28, 2016

    You don’t say which regulation you are referring to. If it is 91.205, that only requires flotation gear if the aircraft is flown for hire. There are other regulations, for instance in Part 136 dealing with sight-seeing rides and Part 135 dealing with charter flights.

    The big question you need to ask yourself is how well and how far you can swim.

    Yes, the power off gliding distance refers to how far the aircraft can glide versus how high it is above ground (or water) level. There very well may be a chart in your POH which will give you this information.

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  2. Skyfox on Jul 30, 2016

    Yes. Gliding distance is dependent on both the altitude of the aircraft above ground and its glide ratio when maintaining the best glide speed (Vbg), and is also affected by the wind, whether it’s a headwind or tailwind when gliding towards shore. Do your calculations based on the POH information, your planned altitude, and the winds aloft forecast to figure whether you’ll need flotation gear and flares for your flight over water. When in doubt, bring them anyway, and it’s also a good idea if you’re not flying for hire as well.

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