How to Maintain and Store Your Aviation Survival Equipment Correctly
Published on January 21, 2026
Aviation survival equipment is designed to perform under extreme conditions—but only if it has been properly maintained and stored. Too often, critical safety gear such as PLBs, flares, life rafts, and hook knives are carried on board without regular inspection or correct storage, reducing their effectiveness when they are needed most.
At Red Baron ALSE, we emphasise that owning the right equipment is only half the equation. Proper care and storage are essential to ensure your survival gear remains reliable, compliant, and ready for use.
Why Maintenance and Storage Matter
Survival equipment is exposed to temperature changes, moisture, vibration, and time. Even unused gear can degrade if it is not stored correctly. Batteries expire, seals deteriorate, fabrics weaken, and corrosion can compromise performance.
Incorrectly maintained equipment can lead to:
- Failure during deployment
- Reduced operational lifespan
- Non-compliance with safety requirements
- A false sense of security in emergencies
Regular checks and correct storage help protect both your investment and your safety.
Key Survival Equipment Maintenance Tips
Below are essential best practices for maintaining commonly carried aviation survival items:
- Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
- Check battery expiry dates regularly
- Inspect casing for cracks or damage
- Store in a dry, easily accessible location
- Replace batteries through an approved service provider
- Aviation Flares
- Monitor expiry dates closely
- Store away from excessive heat and moisture
- Inspect packaging for damage or corrosion
- Replace expired flares promptly
- Life Rafts
- Adhere strictly to servicing intervals
- Store in protective containers or covers
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight or humidity
- Arrange professional servicing after any deployment
- Hook Knives and Cutting Tools
- Ensure blades are sharp and corrosion-free
- Store where they can be reached quickly in an emergency
- Inspect mounting points and sheaths regularly
- Flight and Survival Clothing
- Clean according to manufacturer guidelines
- Check seams, fasteners, and insulation
- Store dry and away from contaminants
Best Practices for Storage
To maximise reliability, survival equipment should be:
- Stored in clearly designated locations
- Protected from moisture and UV exposure
- Secured to prevent movement during flight
- Grouped logically within survival kits or flight bags
- Easily accessible from the cockpit or cabin
Labelling service dates and inspection reminders can also help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Make Equipment Checks Part of Your Routine
Survival gear checks should be incorporated into your broader safety routine—just like aircraft inspections and flight planning. Reviewing your equipment before long trips, overwater operations, or remote-area flights ensures everything is ready before it is ever needed.
Red Baron ALSE supplies aviation-grade survival equipment, replacement items, and servicing to support pilots at every stage of operation.
Your survival equipment is only as reliable as the care you give it.
Review your aviation survival gear today and replace or service any items that are expired, damaged, or approaching their service limits.
Explore the full Red Baron ALSE Survival Equipment range to ensure your kit remains compliant, dependable, and mission-ready.