Navigate / EASA
GM1 26.420(a) Flight over water emergency equipment

ED Decision 2022/019/R

In accordance with CS 26.420, each life raft must be equipped with two retaining lines to be used for securing the life raft to the helicopter. The short retaining line should be of such a length as to hold the raft at a point next to an upright floating helicopter such that the occupants can enter the life raft directly without entering the water. If the design of the helicopter is such that the flight crew cannot enter the passenger cabin, it is acceptable for them to take a more indirect route when boarding the life raft. After life raft boarding is completed, the short retaining line may be cut, and the life raft then remains attached to the rotorcraft by means of the long retaining line.

The length of the long retaining line should not result in the life raft taking up a position which could create a potential puncture risk or hazard to the occupants, such as directly under the tail boom, tail rotor or main rotor disc.

[Issue: 26/4]