I’m planning an overwater x-country flight: departing Honolulu International (PHNL), Molokai (PHMK), Kalaupapa (PHLU) and back. The ship will be an R44 clipper (unfortunately the floats were just removed for W/B reasons pertaining to another mission).

Have:
InReach (Regular size)
Flare gun, (6) flares
EPIRB (PLB)
VHF Marine
Knife

Need to purchase:
Liferaft (2) man coastal
Constant wear PFD
Strobe Light

Switlik made vast improvements by introducing the “MOLLE” accessories option on the constant wear aviation PFDs. Does anyone have an opinion on this “Swiss Army Knife” conception for the aviation PFD users? I will probably order one tomorrow and if it works, will order one for Mary too.

Note: promotional photos do not depict my intended gear




Ordered this liferaft:

Eh that may be slight overkilll for interisland travel out here. Typically I just have an inflatable life vest and fly from boat to boat. Granted, I can glide to land almost all the time. I imagine the r44 doenst have the best glide ratio? [emoji6]

jlacharite wrote:Eh that may be slight overkilll for interisland travel out here. Typically I just have an inflatable life vest and fly from boat to boat. Granted, I can glide to land almost all the time. I imagine the r44 doenst have the best glide ratio? [emoji6]

The Molokai channel is a serious crossing. Even if it’s only (25) Miles. Be really careful out there.

Even at that distance, I'm still within glide of land as long as I stay up near 6000-7000 feet. I typically skirt around and under the bravo and climb under the part with the 4k floor. Once clear of the bravo all together, I'll punch up in one of the holes in the cloud layer and go vfr on top.

jlacharite wrote:Even at that distance, I'm still within glide of land as long as I stay up near 6000-7000 feet. I typically skirt around and under the bravo and climb under the part with the 4k floor. Once clear of the bravo all together, I'll punch up in one of the holes in the cloud layer and go vfr on top.

The below Hawaii State Law technically doesn’t apply to you but, it’s not a bad idea for aircraft. People are very hard to find in Hawaiian water. Even boats go lost for days. I know, I have 500 Hours of SAR time looking. Example: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Aikau

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/boating-in-hawaii/boat-basics/sb-42/

SB 42 EPIRB/VHF-FM RADIO; MANDATORY USE ON WATERCRAFT
Report Title:

EPIRB/VHF-FM Radio; Mandatory Use on Watercraft

Description:

Requires vessels more than one mile off shore to be equipped with a properly functioning Emergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacon (EPIRB) or VHF-FM radio. Exempts canoes, jet skis, surfboards, and paddleboards. Exempts kayaks and training sailboats accompanied by a vessel with an EPIRB or VHF-FM radio.

Good idea for sure! I'll take the flight following any time I'm not 100% sure I'm in a good situation. I feel like anybody near the busy airspace around HNL it's a must.

jlacharite wrote:Good idea for sure! I'll take the flight following any time I'm not 100% sure I'm in a good situation. I feel like anybody near the busy airspace around HNL it's a must.

Yes. HCF Departure/Approach (Formerly known as Honolulu Center) is a lifesaver. However, HCF will lose RADAR around Iilio Pt. approaching Kalaupapa for landing and North side of the island behind the mountains at lower altitudes. We even lose USCG VHF coverage over there.

A close friend was 30 miles offshore Kauai Island and his RV-8 lost power and he ditched. HCF was flight following and a helo had him onboard in (90) minutes. I was anchored at Molokai in my fishing boat and remarkably listened to the USCG helo rescuing him on channel (16). I did not know it was him until a friend called me.

Switlik X-Back and X-Back MOLLE TSO Aviation PDFs arrived and I absolutely adore the quality, utility, comfort etc. It’s a serious purchase as the tab was over $1,100.00 getting them to Honolulu (HAZMAT). But, I’m a safety freak and these vests definitely added to my quiver. X-country to Kalaupapa has been delayed do to Hurricane warnings all week. So, being smart helicopter pilots they put the helo into an early 100 hours (-17 Hours). Note: Each vest has a water activated light.

Enormous amounts of gear can be customized with MOLLE attachments!


The regular Switlik X-back has (2) pockets which handle an EPIRB (PLB), knife, flashlight etc. for Mary.


It’s really TSO FAA approved too!


The life raft should be here at West Marine today. Surface shipping was free. But, it’s takes several weeks. The stores were all closed (and some boarded up) due to “Oliver’s” projected path. Should be open now...

It's weird that they dinged you for hazmat shipping since you can bring 4 CO2 cartridges per person in your checked baggage and there's 2 of them under every seat in every airliner.

It's also weird that they have rental helicopters on an island and don't have rafts and pfds to rent.

PilotMikeTx wrote:It's weird that they dinged you for hazmat shipping since you can bring 4 CO2 cartridges per person in your checked baggage and there's 2 of them under every seat in every airliner.

It's also weird that they have rental helicopters on an island and don't have rafts and pfds to rent.

I got ripped off possibly on the shipping $150. Thank you for pointing out the airline regulation I forgot about that. Anyway, they got here safe and on time.

The rental helos have Switlik X-back in them. I have worn them and there is no charge. But, no life rafts or HEEDs. I will use my new vests in other ships too.

I appreciate the constructive criticism. I just got a call...life raft is here! Driving to the Harbour...

It's weird that they dinged you for hazmat shipping since you can bring 4 CO2 cartridges per person in your checked baggage and there's 2 of them under every seat in every airliner.

I known they are under the seat but...

Interesting the TSA says no to any filled C02 cylinders with PAX carry on/check in:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/co2-cartridge

CO2 Cartridge. Except for personal medical oxygen cylinders, you can only carry an EMPTY compressed gas cylinder onboard a plane. To be permitted (in either carry-on or checked baggage), it must be clearly visible to the TSA officer that the cylinder is empty.

My view is if you need a PDF then you probably would love a life raft in the SAME water... they pretty much go together if possible.

Westmarine delivered this raft (yellow one below in picture) ito Hawaii for $950.00 ! That is pretty reasonable. It’s a two person coastal life raft which is for an eminent rescue environment (RADAR, plenty of PLBs, etc).

The red square raft is officially deprecated and will be used for practice over in Keehi Lagoon. However, Hawaii experienced devastating rain the last 24 hours and the water around most of all the islands is extremely hazardous to swim in because of runoff. Note the water behind the boat is pretty sickening! It will be awhile before the health advisories are lifted.

It’s interesting that the old (4) person raft (Survival Products) is actually smaller than the new (2) person (Revere) ? I have personally practiced egress training with the (4) person raft shown and it really does hold (4) people but, very marginal!

8GCBC wrote:My view is if you need a PDF then you probably would love a life raft in the SAME water... they pretty much go together if possible.

Westmarine delivered this raft (yellow one below in picture) ito Hawaii for $950.00 ! That is pretty reasonable. It’s a two person coastal life raft which is for an eminent rescue environment (RADAR, plenty of PLBs, etc).

The red square raft is officially deprecated and will be used for practice over in Keehi Lagoon. However, Hawaii experienced devastating rain the last 24 hours and the water around most of all the islands is extremely hazardous to swim in because of runoff. Note the water behind the boat is pretty sickening! It will be awhile before the health advisories are lifted.

It’s interesting that the old (4) person raft (Survival Products) is actually smaller than the new (2) person (Revere) ? I have personally practiced egress training with the (4) person raft shown and it really does hold (4) people but, very marginal!

Your water down in Waikiki looks just like pearl harbor. Nasty stuff...

Your water down in Waikiki looks just like pearl harbor. Nasty stuff...

Extremely hazardous! A few years ago after a major Waikiki flooding a guy came out of the Harbour Pub (Which is right behind the picture) pretty loaded and fell into the toxic harbor water. A tropical flesh eating bacteria ate thru his skin and he died of toxic shock in the hospital. It’s going to be awhile...

How are your PCS plans so far? Everything dialed in? Hopefully, see you on mainland during your tour.

My R44 check ride is really delayed from weather! Ahhh!

8GCBC wrote:

Your water down in Waikiki looks just like pearl harbor. Nasty stuff...

Extremely hazardous! A few years ago after a major Waikiki flooding a guy came out of the Harbour Pub (Which is right behind the picture) pretty loaded and fell into the toxic harbor water. A tropical flesh eating bacteria ate thru his skin and he died of toxic shock in the hospital.

How are your PCS plans so far? Everything dialed in? Hopefully, see you on mainland during your tour.

My R44 check ride is really delayed from weather! Ahhh!

So far, PCS is on track! The 140 goes in the container this weekend, and the car a few days after. I should be gallavanting across the country in no time

The sparkling clean waters of pearl harbor

Pierre_R wrote:https://backcountrypilot.org/images/originalphotos/4352/3394/a548911fceb878d459d61c4c.jpg

I like her! Oh you mean the vest? Nice photo!

Everyone likes her! Chelsea Abingdon Welch.

First female to fly a piston single into China. Reality TV star who taught the daughter how to fly in "Flying WIld Alaska". Former factory demo pilot for the Lancair Evolution. Entrepreneur watch company founder, etc. etc. Yeah, she's cool!

http://www.jetsetmag.com/lifestyle/watches-jewlery/chelsea-abingdon-welch-time-tested-pilot-approved/

http://www.jetsetmag.com/lifestyle/watc ... -approved/

Pierre_R wrote:Everyone likes her! Chelsea Abingdon Welch.

First female to fly a piston single into China. Reality TV star who taught the daughter how to fly in "Flying WIld Alaska". Former factory demo pilot for the Lancair Evolution. Entrepreneur watch company founder, etc. etc. Yeah, she's cool!

http://www.jetsetmag.com/lifestyle/watches-jewlery/chelsea-abingdon-welch-time-tested-pilot-approved/

http://www.jetsetmag.com/lifestyle/watc ... -approved/

Definitely eye candy too!