Under what condition is approved flotation gear required on an airplane?

The requirement for approved flotation gear on an airplane is tied to the operational environment in which the aircraft is flying, specifically regarding water crossings. The correct condition under which flotation gear is mandated is when the aircraft is being operated beyond a certain distance from the shoreline. This is crucial because, in the event of a water landing, having flotation gear can be life-saving for the occupants.

When an airplane is flown for hire over water, flotation gear is indeed required, reinforcing the need for safety measures in commercial operations over potentially hazardous environments. Additionally, operational regulations may stipulate flotation gear for aircraft carrying more than a set number of passengers, particularly since the increased risk is associated with larger groups of people in remote locations.

However, the most specific and stringent condition requiring such safety equipment is when operating beyond 50 nautical miles from shore. This distance represents a significant margin where a timely rescue may not be possible, emphasizing the necessity of flotation devices to facilitate survival in emergency situations.