FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Medium
A Part 121 flight is planned over water more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline. Under 14 CFR 121.339, which of the following equipment must be carried?
- ALife preservers only, as rafts are required solely for turbine-engine aircraft
- BAn approved life raft only if the flight exceeds 4 hours in duration
- COnly life preservers for each occupant, since rafts are required only beyond 100 NM
- DLife rafts with sufficient capacity for all occupants, plus life preservers and pyrotechnic signaling devices
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Life rafts with sufficient capacity for all occupants, plus life preservers and pyrotechnic signaling devices
14 CFR 121.339 requires that for extended overwater operations (generally more than 50 NM from shore), the aircraft carry life rafts with enough capacity to hold all occupants, life preservers for each occupant, and approved pyrotechnic signaling devices, among other survival equipment. This ensures survivability in a ditching scenario far from shore.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Life rafts are required regardless of engine type when the distance threshold is met.
- B. Flight duration is not the determining factor; distance from shore is.
- C. Incorrect threshold; 50 NM (not 100 NM) triggers the extended overwater equipment requirement.
Extended Overwater Equipment (121.339)
Equipment required aboard Part 121 aircraft operating more than 50 NM from the nearest shoreline.
- Triggered at more than 50 NM from shore
- Requires life rafts sized for all occupants
- Also requires life preservers and pyrotechnic signaling devices
Memory trick: Fifty miles from shore, bring rafts, vests, and flares galore.