How long does it take for a life raft to inflate?

How long does it take for a life raft to inflate?

• A. 10 seconds
• B. 20 seconds
• C. 30 seconds
• D. 60 seconds

Answer: (B)

Inflating quickly is essential to get people onto a stable, buoyant platform as soon as the raft hits the water. Aircraft life rafts use a rapid inflation system—usually a compressed gas cartridge—that fills the bladder and raises the canopy within a few seconds. The standard figure you’re expected to know is about 20 seconds, which reflects the design goal of providing immediate buoyancy and shelter even in rough seas. Times like 10 seconds are generally optimistic for all models and not guaranteed, while 30 seconds is plausible but not the typical published target, and 60 seconds would leave occupants exposed far longer than intended. So, about 20 seconds is the best answer because it aligns with the rapid-inflation requirement of aviation life rafts.

Inflating quickly is essential to get people onto a stable, buoyant platform as soon as the raft hits the water. Aircraft life rafts use a rapid inflation system—usually a compressed gas cartridge—that fills the bladder and raises the canopy within a few seconds. The standard figure you’re expected to know is about 20 seconds, which reflects the design goal of providing immediate buoyancy and shelter even in rough seas. Times like 10 seconds are generally optimistic for all models and not guaranteed, while 30 seconds is plausible but not the typical published target, and 60 seconds would leave occupants exposed far longer than intended. So, about 20 seconds is the best answer because it aligns with the rapid-inflation requirement of aviation life rafts.