Life Jackets for Keys Trip

Skid

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Apr 23, 2017
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Skid
Looking for some advice on life jackets. Will be traveling in a 182 with 3 passengers to the keys and would like everyone to wear a life jacket. The time over water will be minimal, but want to be mindful of it. I have 0 knowledge on the topic, but would something like this suffice? Or is it a bit too simple for open water/life saving? I’d like to avoid spending a lot of money on them as it won’t be a regular trip.

https://www.amazon.com/Lyuwpes-Infl...7752&sprefix=Blow+up+life,aps,167&sr=8-4&th=1

Also, considering this for detection:

https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Strea...+saving+shark+tank&qid=1590779185&sr=8-3&th=1

Thanks
 
You want something self inflating that isn't automatically self-inflating(some marine vests inflate on contact with water). In the event of a ditching, an inflated or foam type vest could end up trapping you in the aircraft.

Having flown to the Keys myself I say you can probably just follow the island chain in and not worry about it. Engines aren't any more likely to fail over water than land, though admittedly once would be terrible enough.
 
You want something self inflating that isn't automatically self-inflating(some marine vests inflate on contact with water). In the event of a ditching, an inflated or foam type vest could end up trapping you in the aircraft.

Having flown to the Keys myself I say you can probably just follow the island chain in and not worry about it. Engines aren't any more likely to fail over water than land, though admittedly once would be terrible enough.

We’ll probably file to go down and I’m sure link up with one of the airways that goes a bit far into the water. The times I’ve done the trip I’m usually hugged up on the coast goin VFR, but wanted to take the extra precautions this time.

The self inflating ones are nice, just wanting to avoid asking the passengers to pay more for their life jackets than what I’m asking them to pay for the plane ride down haha
 
I have worn the belt packs when provided by others, but if I were to buy a pair, I'd get ones you wore like the suspenders. Most of these are indeed automatic deploying, but have the option to disable the automatic mode (which as Gary says, you don't want in an enclosed cabin situation).
 
I went with the Revere life vest belt type (https://www.amazon.com/Revere-Comfort-Inflatable-Belt-Manual/dp/B003ZKQSQM?th=1&psc=1). I thought it was going to more comfortable to wear (it is comfortable, resting right above the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt and rotated slightly outboard for straight forward). I was also worried that the suspender type might be more likely to snag on something getting out of the plane before the vest was inflated.

So far no experience with their use.
 
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