What is required for an aircraft flying more than 100 nautical miles from land?

For an aircraft flying more than 100 nautical miles from land, a raft is required as it provides essential flotation and survival capability in the event of a water landing. A raft can accommodate multiple occupants, increase the likelihood of survival, and protect against exposure to the elements while waiting for rescue.

Regulatory guidance emphasizes the need for equipment that enhances the overall safety of the flight, especially in overwater operations. In this context, a raft is typically regarded as a key safety item due its versatility and the space it offers, allowing for a safer environment compared to individual flotation devices.

While options such as flotation devices, life preservers, and emergency beacons contribute to safety in specific scenarios, they do not offer the same level of group survival and protection as a raft does when flying such a distance over water. Therefore, the requirement to have a raft is aligned with safety principles for extended overwater flights.