Task IX.D
Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency equipment, and survival gear appropriate to the airplane and environment encountered during flight.
Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Study Notes
Per 91.207:
- Inspection: every 12 calendar months (proper installation, battery corrosion, operation of controls, sufficient signal)
- Batteries: replaced (or recharged) after 1 hour of cumulative use or when 50% of their useful life has expired
- Frequencies: most units transmit on 121.5 MHz plus modern 406 MHz — 406 units are satellite-monitored and registered to the owner; satellites no longer monitor 121.5 (AIM 6-2-4)
Analog 121.5: test only during the first 5 minutes after the hour, maximum three audio sweeps.
406 MHz: use the built-in self-test.
After any hard landing — and as a habit before shutdown — monitor 121.5 to make sure the ELT isn't transmitting (AIM 6-2-4).
Know its location and mount, brief passengers on it, and check the gauge/seal during preflight.
Technique — PASS:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side
Limitations: Halon works well in a cockpit and leaves no residue, but any discharge in a closed cabin calls for ventilation afterward (AFH ch 18, POH).
Enough water, clothing, shelter, signaling, and first-aid supplies for 48–72 hours — rescue can easily take that long.
Core kit: water, space blanket or shelter, fire starter, signal mirror/whistle, flashlight, knife, first aid, and a PLB or charged phone.
Dress to walk home, not for the cabin temperature (ACS IX.D R1, PHAK ch 2).
Hot/desert: water is everything — carry more than seems reasonable, plus sun protection and shade material.
Cold/winter: insulation layers, sleeping bag, fire starting, and stay-with-the-aircraft discipline.
Mountains: warm gear even in summer (temperature drops with altitude), signaling that works in terrain shadows.
Overwater: flotation for each occupant when beyond gliding distance of shore, ideally a raft and PLB (ACS IX.D K3).
Where things are and how they work before we need them:
- Door and seatbelt operation
- ELT location and manual activation
- Fire extinguisher location
- Survival kit location
- Brace position
If the aircraft had a ballistic parachute or auto-land, I'd brief the activation criteria and handle location too (ACS IX.D S2).
Official ACS elementsreference
Knowledge8 elements
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.IX.D.K1Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) operations, limitations, and testing requirements.PA.IX.D.K2Fire extinguisher operations and limitations.PA.IX.D.K3Emergency equipment and survival gear needed for:PA.IX.D.K3aa. Climate extremes (hot/cold)PA.IX.D.K3bb. Mountainous terrainPA.IX.D.K3cc. Overwater operationsPA.IX.D.K4When to deploy a ballistic parachute and associated passenger briefings, if equipped.PA.IX.D.K5When to activate an emergency auto-land system and brief passengers, if equipped.
Risk Management3 elements
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.IX.D.R1Survival gear (water, clothing, shelter) for 48 to 72 hours.PA.IX.D.R2Use of a ballistic parachute system.PA.IX.D.R3Use of an emergency auto-land system, if installed.
Skills3 elements
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.IX.D.S1Identify appropriate equipment and personal gear.PA.IX.D.S2Brief passengers on proper use of on-board emergency equipment and survival gear.PA.IX.D.S3Simulate ballistic parachute deployment procedures, if equipped.