I'm will be do a good amount of over water flying this summer in the 182. I have a few very simple coast guard approved life vest I used for my Bahamas trip but I'm wondering if you guys have any other recommendations on life jackets. The ones a current have are just foam with an orange cloth cover. I sure if I was out there, I would be really happy if I had a jacket with a few more accessories. I.e. Strobe, whistle, reflectors, ect. Any recommendations on which and where to buy? As my engine gets closer and closer to tbo, it is just something i would have liked to planned for a little but more in case I do get the dread engine out. Knock on wood.

Check out " stormy seas" I think that's their name.co2 vest and other stuff strobes ect........

I would seriously look into a good quality water-ski vest. I have many summers wearing a neoprene clad vest that is a lot less bulky than a fishing or swimming style vest, slim, lightweight and rugged. You can then attach all your own accessories bought separate.

for strobes, whistles, reflectors, etc. check out any scuba diving site. (leisure pro, scuba.com, or do a google search and take your pick).

All the float flyers use the CO2 inflatable lifejackets, you don't want flotation until you are out of the plane. Go to Lake and Air see what they sell, then shop around for the best price. www.lakeandair.com

Brad

Brad is right. You DO NOT want a floatation device impeding your egress from a sinking airplane. Getting out of an airplane in the water is difficult enough, which is why a cottage industry has developed in recent years offering "Emergency underwater egress training".

Get a good quality inflatable life vest, NOT one that auto inflates when contacts water, and wear it when over water. You're not very likely to get it on once you're in the drink.

MTV

http://www.preparedpilot.com/product_in ... cbecd57f7d

I purchased a couple of their vests a few years back and have no problem recommending them.

There are others out there, just don't have a link for them.

Good luck in your search.

Fraser

I have a set of Stormy Seas and Mustang inflatables.

The Mustang does a better job of keeping your head out of water, and the Stormy Seas is more comfortable.

I wear the Mustang. I figure if I am going to end up swimming I want the better support. It really is not all that uncomfortable.

You really DO NOT want a vest that provides flotation inside the aircraft. You will never get out of the plane because an inflated jacket will pin you in the floorboards. Fixed gear aircraft almost always end up upside down in water landings and retract's end up bottoms up often as well.

TD

I use a Stearn's inflatable and it has several pockets that I load up with other items I deem essential. I also have one of the suspender type of inflatables that is for passenger use. I would prefer the orange "nomex" type but had a hard time finding one at the time I was getting my SES rating. Happened to find the Stearns one in the bargain cave at Cabela's for a super deal.
Do a search on this site and you will probably find a long thread on the subject.
The subject was also discussed here: http://www.supercub.org/forum/showthrea ... ife+jacket
WW