Original Message

As usual, a JH thread devolves into a bunch of misinformation from misinformed responders. What a surprise.

The original question was:

"do law enforcement single engine helicopters require floats when operating over water if the aircaft has an airworthiness certificate? say a md530 or bh407? 

Yes, they can operate under public use, but if in controlled airspace (or)if they have an airworthiness certificate do they fall under part 91 and require floats?"

And the answer is "No."  Aircraft emergency floats are not required at all under FAR Part 91, period. It doesn't matter if they're "public use" or not.  In fact, even if a PD, say, wasn't using the "public use" exemption, Part 91 does not require that anybody onboard a private aircraft have (or wear) a life vest/jacket. If you (or your company or organization) owns a single-engine helicopter, feel free to fly it as far out over the water as you like without having a single life vest/jacket on board.  However! Here's the catch: If the aircraft is operating "for hire" (you can argue over what that means), then the occupants have to have available flotation devices. They don't have to wear them - just have them available. Again, the rules say nothing about the aircraft having emergency floats.