Switlik Lifevests and Breathing Devices

[havick]

Also, don't forget depending on the temperatures of water that you fly over, it can mean the difference between surviving less than a few hours or few days depending on whether you have a life raft (whether it be a single person, or several person one stowed under the seat).

just a thought after having done Commsurv as well as Survival at sea courses in the RAN... ( I'm no expert, but hey, ask around)

And a simple strobe light attached to your vest makes it MUCH easier to find you bobbing up and down in the water, especially at night..

[Low Time]

Not wrong there mate. I currently carry a mini sat kti beacon, soloas strobe light(runs on 1 D size battery), pains-wessex day & nightflare and a couple of chemcial sticks in my Switlik pockets. I am in 2 minds at the moment re new 406 beacon. Have been looking at the new GME model and the Fast Find Plus which is issued to the US Coast Guard. Have been looking at the Talon for about 12 months. Seems to be a gr8 peice of kit. Do you think the 1 poocket would fit all that gear in, or would you recommend a second pocket? I don't think that would interfer with a Sea MkII air bottle.

Cheers and Beers

LT

[havick]

low time,

there is a new version of the Talon vest out which is the one I am buying, you will find that you can attach upto 3 pockets on it as well as the cover for the Sea MK oxy bottle

[Low Time]

Is that the Tac Air type? I have rung the USA and found out there are not making the Talon anymore. Looking foward to seeing the pic of your gear.

Cheers

LT

[zoomcage]

You can purchase the emergency breathing systems from Transaero here in Australia. Contact Graham Chappell, Regional Manager Tel: + 61-3-9537 2588. You are looking at about US$450 for the SEA MKII system, which is the latest and greatest.

I use this system with the Switlik (which has been modified to carry the SEA MKII). The modification can be done at SETS in Melbourne. If you don’t want to modify your Switlik you can opt to purchase a specifically designed shoulder holster to carry the bottle in flight.

I wouldn’t recommend carrying the bottle filled on an airline, it’s like carrying a filled SCUBA tank. It’s dangerous goods unless you wear it as part of your flying gear which I cant see happening flying with Qantas. . The bottles are very easy to fill once you arrive at your destination. Make sure you purchase the scuba refill adaptor so you can refill it straight from a scuba tank.

Also, very important, do not use these emergency breathing devices if you have not been trained in their use. They are a great bit of kit but in the hands of the untrained can lead to serious problems. Seek the proper training from a specialist company in this field. I received my training in the US but I know Rho Aviation www.rhoaviation.com.au here in Oz do it, all ex military and excellent.

Goodluck

[Low Time]

Thanks for the info zoomcage. Every bit helps. Have been told you can get a scuba tank filler adaptor so you can refill the portable bottle from that. I have look at getting my Switlik motified as you say but I think I'll take the easy option and get a new vest.

Cheers

LT

[havick]

Ok, so my work just bought me a 'Spare Air' bottle to slip in my life vest before I head overseas later this year.. You can get them from just about any dive shops for about 400 AUD..

I had a look at the SEA MK system, they are good, but they have a lot more parts/seals for servicing over a 'spare air' bottle.. Plus the scuba fill adapters are also included when you buy it, it is not an extra as with the SEA MK..

I will post pictures of all my kit as requestd by LT in about a month once I have everything together.

Cheers.

[Wes]

[img]http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x152/Waljet/SpareAir.jpg[/img]

Somethin like this?

[havick]

yeah pretty much..

[zoomcage]

For those who use the Switlik there is a new shoulder harness out for emergency breathing systems. Instead of modifying the Switlik the shoulder holster is designed to be worn just underneath the pocket. The holster can fit the HABD and the SEA systems. More info and photos at http://www.rhoaviation.com.au/ebs.htm

Happy flying!