I'm planning a trip to Alaska and Alaska statue Title 2, Chapter 35, Section 110, AS 02.35.110. Emergency Rations and Equipment paragraph (H) says: “two small signaling devices such as colored smoke bombs, railroad fuses, or Very pistol shells, in sealed metal containers;”. The rule does NOT say it has to be pyrotechnical, but all the examples are pyrotechnical and the need for sealed metal container also implies it. I am already bringing signaling mirrors and I would prefer to bring something electronic for example: Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress. However, I would like to be in compliance with the rule and I might have trouble finding a large enough “sealed metal container” to put that large electronic device in. The “sealed metal container” was surely referring to a pyrotechnical device. What do you think of this rule and how much leeway a pilot has to be in compliance?
@Frederick Niles
Sounds like a good example of a statute that hasn't kept up with technology. I have both a signal mirror and a small laser signaler with a wide beam that is popular in the Idaho back country. I'm not worried about the metal container.
I decided to order the Greatland Laser Rescue Laser Light and the ACR ResQFlare and then accept the “up to $500 fine” for non-compliance if they don't feel these are acceptable, but I agree with Andrew, these signaling devices should be acceptable.
@Frederick Niles
Check out the Alaska information in the International and Cross-Border Travel section of the AOPA website as well.
@Frederick Niles
Would your airplane qualify as a metal container?
And, as far as keeping up with technology, don't forget your flashlight with 2 D cells.
@Steven Price
A couple of things. Battery powered devices will fail very quickly if you are here in the winter when it's cold. Far better to rely on pyrotechnics. Most rescue lasers don't work well in the daylight, which it is 20 hours a day in the summer here in the Fairbanks area. Most small flare ‘pens’ have the flares themselves in ‘sealed metal containers’. Be cautious of the flare ‘pistols’, Canada doesn't allow pistols to be carried through and will confiscate them.
All that aside, a good 406mhz ELT is by far the best equipment to have, coupled with a Spot or Inreach device, or satellite phone.
The reg about the flashlight (2 D cells) also allows for “or equivalent”, and applies at night, which in the Interior doesn't happen from mid-May to mid-August.