When are life jackets required for aircraft operations?

Life jackets are required for aircraft operations particularly when flying over water beyond a specific distance from land. The regulation mandates that life jackets must be onboard when flying more than 50 nautical miles from the shore. This requirement is crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in case of an emergency landing in water. It is designed to enhance survival chances and facilitate rescue operations in those circumstances where immediate access to land is not available.

This safety measure is particularly vital given the risk associated with overwater flights, where the potential for rapid evacuation can be severely limited. In contrast, flying within 50 nautical miles of land carries a reduced risk, which is why many regulations do not require life jackets to be worn under those conditions.