NCC.IDE.H.227 Life-rafts, survival ELTs and survival equipment on extended overwater flights

LIFE-RAFTS AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING DISTRESS SIGNALS

(a)Each required life-raft should conform to the following specifications:

(1)be of an approved design and stowed so as to facilitate their ready use in an emergency;

(2)be radar conspicuous to standard airborne radar equipment;

(3)when carrying more than one life-raft on board, at least 50 % of the rafts should be able to be deployed by the crew while seated at their normal station, where necessary by remote control; and

(4)life-rafts that are not deployable by remote control or by the crew should be of such weight as to permit handling by one person. 40 kg should be considered a maximum weight.

(b)Each required life-raft should contain at least the following:

(1)one approved survivor locator light;

(2)one approved visual signalling device;

(3)one canopy (for use as a sail, sunshade or rain catcher) or other means to protect occupants from the elements;

(4)one radar reflector;

(5)one 20 m retaining line designed to hold the life-raft near the helicopter but to release it if the helicopter becomes totally submerged;

(6)one sea anchor; and

(7)one survival kit, appropriately equipped for the route to be flown, which should contain at least the following:

(i)one life-raft repair kit;

(ii)one bailing bucket;

(iii)one signalling mirror;

(iv)one police whistle;

(v)one buoyant raft knife;

(vi)one supplementary means of inflation;

(vii)sea sickness tablets;

(viii)one first-aid kit;

(ix)one portable means of illumination;

(x)500 ml of pure water and one sea water desalting kit; and

(xi)one comprehensive illustrated survival booklet in an appropriate language.

SURVIVAL ELT

AMC1 CAT.IDE.H.300(b)(3) & CAT.IDE.H.305(b) provides the types of ELT that may be installed on a required life raft.