Over Water Operations

General Aviation Joint Safety Committee

CFIT Working Group

Outreach Guidance Document

2023/10-29-303(I)PP

This outreach guidance is provided to all FAA and aviation industry groups that are participating in outreach efforts sponsored by the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC). It is important that all outreach on a given topic is coordinated and is free of conflicts. Therefore, all outreach products should be in alignment with the outline and concepts listed below for this topic.

Outreach Month: July 2025

Topic: General Aviation Operations Over Water

The FAA and industry will conduct a public education campaign emphasizing the benefits of flight planning, survival, and equipage for General Aviation operations over water and beyond gliding distance from shore.

Background:

Studies suggest that planning and knowledge of over-water Pre- and In-flight processes and procedures can reduce the frequency of water landings (ditchings) and the severity of consequence should a pilot be forced to ditch.

Teaching Points:

Basic survival knowledge and equipment can greatly improve chances of surviving after a ditching.
Pilots should plan for the shortest possible overwater routes and fly at higher altitudes to increase gliding distance.
GA Passengers and crew should wear Personal Flotation Devices while flying over water.
When flying to or over remote areas consider 406 MHz personal locator beacons and or satellite phones.
The most important factor in survival success is the will to survive. .

References