Life jackets for overwater

[Mike I]

In light of the recent Cherokee ditching in the Hudson, I'm wondering what the thoughts are toward carrying life jackets on board when out of gliding range of land (or a suitable place to land). Most of my flying is around the Northeast, and the water is pretty chilly here.

I've done a few hops out to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, and at times am out of gliding distance. I don't carry jackets on board, and I rent so making a large investment for the plane isn't appealing. I've had my eye on belt-type manual CO2 inflatable PFDs such as these: http://www.landfallnavigation.com/mustangmd3075.html . Surely they're better than nothing, but are there better options that aren't cumbersome? Vest-type jackets aren't appealing to wear all the time when over water...are they significantly better than belt packs?

 

[Jim Logajan]

With regard to survival times, below is an image showing likely survival times (hot-linked from a link in the article "Ditching Myths Torpedoed"
http://www.equipped.com/ditchingmyths.htm worth a read if you haven't already seen it.)

I have two ComfortMax inflatable vests from Aviation Survival Technologies (http://www.astoverwater.com/page/page/5281094.htm) but since I've never had to use them, I can't give a proper review of them. The vests I bought claim they aren't intended for blue water ocean conditions, though. The proprietor of that company does have some opinions and info on vests elsewhere on his site that I think is worth some consideration.

 

[Jim Logajan]

No kidding. In a gumby suit it was nearly impossible.

It does look hard - here's a video on youtube showing an exercise of people trying to get into a raft. I'm not sure, but it looks like the raft has some sort of strap underwater that helps serve as a sort of ladder step that makes it possible to raise yourself using your leg so you can get over the side easier. Something to look for in a life raft I suppose. Haven't shopped for any yet.