We called and talked to the FAA in Alaska and to the Alaska DOT's Aviation Staff about the following statute. We had a few questions such as how much food do they think a person needs to survive for a week in light of the numerous medical studies that have shown we can go for much longer than a week with out eating. No one had an answer. That being said, any prudent pilot carries a substantial survival kit when flying in the remote parts of Alaska. In addition to a Prepared Pilot Survival Kit, we recommend bringing a hatchet which is also useful for pounding in tie down stakes, a sleeping bag, extra food and water when ever you fly to remote airstrips. In our opinion the signaling equipment in the Wilderness Aviator Survival Kit is better than the example items listed in the statute because they have a much longer duration.
Firearms have not been required since Sept. 27, 2001.
ALASKA STATUTES Sec. 02.35.110. Emergency rations and equipment.
An airman may not make a flight inside the state with an aircraft unless emergency equipment is carried as follows:
(1) the following minimum equipment must be carried during the summer months:
- (A) rations for each occupant sufficient to sustain life for one week;
- (B) one axe or hatchet;
- (C) one first aid kit;
- (D) an assortment of tackle such as hooks, flies, lines, and sinkers;
- (E) one knife;
- (F) fire starter;
- (G) one mosquito headnet for each occupant;
- (H) two small signaling devices such as colored smoke bombs, railroad fuses, or Very pistol shells, in sealed metal containers;
(2) in addition to the equipment required under (1) of this subsection, the following must be carried as minimum equipment from October 15 to April 1 of each year:
- (A) one pair of snowshoes;
- (B) one sleeping bag;
- (C) one wool blanket or equivalent for each occupant over four.
(b) However, operators of multi-engine aircraft licensed to carry more than 15 passengers need carry only the food, mosquito nets, and signalling equipment at all times other than the period from October 15 to April 1 of each year, when two sleeping bags, and one blanket for every two passengers shall also be carried.
All of the above requirements as to emergency rations and equipment are considered to be minimum requirements which are to remain in full force and effect, except as further safety measures may be from time to time imposed by the department.