Flying over water Survival equipment for overwater operations FAR 91.509 requires pilots to equip the airplane with a life preserver or an approved flotation means for each occupant of the airplane for flights over water more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shore. With some exceptions, flights over water more than 30 minutes flying time or 100 nautical miles from the nearest shore, whichever is less, must have this survival equipment on board: * A life preserver for each occupant. * Enough life rafts to accommodate the occupants of the airplane. A survival kit must be attached to each life raft. * At least one pyrotechnic signaling device for each life raft. * A self-buoyant, water-resistant, portable emergency radio signaling device capable of transmission on the appropriate emergency frequency and not dependent upon the airplane power supply. * A lifeline. The equipment must be installed in conspicuously marked locations and easily accessible in the event of a ditching. See the regulation for further details. " Perhaps the best way to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes is in person. Fly into Empire Airport (Y87), use their courtesy car (a well-used but reliable pickup truck) and check out the dunes from the Pierce Stocking scenic drive or stop in at one of the many beaches along the shoreline (I recommend North Bar Lake). " -Jim Sorbie, local pilot AOPA PILOT / March 2022 67