When must life preservers be carried on board an aircraft?

Life preservers are a crucial safety item for any flight that may take place over water. The requirement for carrying them is based on the understanding that, in the event of a water landing, having life preservers can significantly enhance the chances of survival for the occupants of the aircraft.

The stipulation that life preservers must be carried when more than 50 nautical miles from shore is rooted in safety regulations designed to provide adequate protection for those potentially facing a ditching scenario far from land. Beyond this distance, the likelihood of rescue efforts being complicated by distance increases, making life preservers an essential precaution.

While there are other considerations for safety equipment when flying over urban areas or shorter distances from shore, the specific requirement for more than 50 nautical miles emphasizes the increased risk associated with being far from land. It underscores the importance of preparedness in an environment where immediate assistance may not be available.