a number of ways to stay afloat. Figure 5-1 shows the personal equipment worn by the VA, VF, or VS aircrewman. The primary flotation device shown is the LPU life preserver; however, a closer look reveals that the aircrewman is also wearing an anti-g suit. This g suit is an excellent flotation device itself. When the aircrewman orally inflates the g suit, it provides additional emergency flotation.

NOTE: In the event the g suit becomes the only flotation device, it should be removed from - the legs and worn as water wings. If left on the legs and inflated, it could cause the aviator to become inverted in the water (head down).

Life Preservers

Many different types of life preservers are used by naval aviation personnel. The Mk-1 is used by maintenance personnel working aboard ship. The LPU-30/P is used as a substitute for the LPP life preserver aboard carrier-onboard- delivery (COD) and vertical-onboard-delivery (VOD) aircraft. The LPP life preservers are worn by passengers flying in naval aircraft. The LPA-2 Band the LPU-21B/Pareworn by aircrewmen flying in nonelection-seat-equipped aircraft. The LPU-23A/P and the LPU-24A/P are worn by aircrewmen flying in ejection-seat- equipped aircraft. These two life preservers are equipped with automatic inflation systems in addition to the manual actuation systems. The FLU-8A/P automatic inflation feature will be explained later in this chapter.

Each of the life preservers we will discuss is equipped with CO₂ cylinders that will inflate the preserver once it is actuated. Manual activation of the CO₂ cylinders on life preservers requires only a simple pull on the beaded handle or toggle shown in figure 5-2. Life preservers inflate

Figure 5-2. - LPA inflation. 5 Continue Reading