What is the purpose of a life raft and when would it be used?

• A. To provide buoyant shelter and flotation on water evacuations; used during ditching when landing on water is anticipated.
• B. To store extra oxygen for passengers.
• C. To measure water depth during overwater operation.
• D. To serve as a seat cushion during flight.

Answer: (A)

A life raft is meant to keep people afloat and provide a sheltered platform during water evacuations, and it’s used when a ditching—an emergency landing on water—is anticipated. In overwater operations, if evacuation onto water is required, passengers and crew relocate to the raft, which inflates to provide buoyancy, protection from the elements, and a surface to wait for rescue while keeping everyone together. It may include survival gear and signaling aids to improve chances of being found.

This isn’t about storing extra oxygen, measuring water depth, or serving as a seat cushion. Oxygen is handled by oxygen systems for breathing, depth measurement isn’t a function of evacuation gear, and a seat cushion isn’t designed to serve as a life raft.