2023 OWNER’S MANUAL 
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 36
FAA/National Aeronautical Charting Oce 
Distribution Division, AVN-530 
1305 East-West Highway  
Silver Spring, MD 20910 
 
Telephone: (301) 427-5000 
Email: 9-AMC-aerochart@faa.gov 
http://naco.faa.gov/
FLOAT PLAN
A “float plan” is a written record indicating the planned destination 
and approximate length of time for the outing. Sample forms are 
available at the Coast Guard’s website. One should be completed 
and left with a relative or friend prior to each trip. In case of an 
emergency or failure to return within a reasonable period of time, 
pertinent information will be available to assist local marine police 
or the Coast Guard in determining whether a search should be 
performed. Be sure to notify the float plan holder upon return.
STAYING AFLOAT
It is commonly believed that someone dressed in heavy clothing 
or waders will experience considerably more diculty staying 
afloat if they fall overboard. This is not true. Air trapped in clothing 
provides flotation and bending the knees will trap air in waders. 
To stay afloat:
•  Remain calm. Do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or 
footwear. This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air 
that may keep you afloat.
•   Keep your PFD on.
•  Keep your knees bent.
•  Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety.
COLD WATER SURVIVAL
Sudden immersion in cold water can induce rapid, uncontrolled 
breathing, cardiac arrest and other physical body conditions, 
which can lead to drowning. Always wearing a PFD will help survival 
in rapid immersion situations. 
In other situations when entry into cold water is necessary:
•  Wear a PFD.
•   Button all clothing.
•  Cover your head if possible and enter the water slowly.
•  Keep your head out of the water if at all possible.