Which of the following statements regarding survival gear on flights is true?

The correct statement regarding survival gear on flights is that it is not needed if the aircraft has a two-way radio and is within 25 nautical miles of the departure aerodrome. This reflects regulations that acknowledge the reduced risk of abandonment and the increased likelihood of assistance in close proximity to an airfield. When operating within this range, the pilot may reasonably expect to navigate back to the aerodrome if an emergency arises, thereby diminishing the necessity for extensive survival equipment.

In contrast, the other statements present inaccurate interpretations of survival gear requirements. For instance, survival gear is not mandated for all flights without exception, as certain circumstances may allow for exemptions, especially when navigating local airspace. Additionally, while there are requirements for survival equipment when flying above 12,500 feet, these specific criteria are more nuanced than simply enforcing requirements based on altitude alone. Lastly, survival gear is not strictly linked to being in controlled airspace, as this also does not systematically dictate gear requirements.