The pilots in command of private aircraft can be held responsible for violations by their passengers or crew, which can result in seizure and loss of their aircraft, as well as large fines and a possible jail sentences. All this can be imposed for something as small as a pocket-sized ivory carving. Equipment and Survival Gear Crossing the Bering Strait, even at its narrowest point over the Diomede Islands, means about 70 miles of over water exposure. The exposure is about 200 miles for the direct IFR route from Nome to Provideniya. Even if there is a winter ice pack, the span of frigid water presents a significant risk for single engine aircraft.
Survival suits are a necessity in case of a water landing.
The human body can only survive unprotected in these waters for a few minutes. Other basic survival and camping gear should also be carried for flights to Eastern Russia. If your plane goes down, you might wait many days for rescue, so it's best to be prepared. The lack of overnight facilities at many small airports also means pilots and crews should be equipped to camp at the airport or wait out the weather with their planes, if necessary. General Planning Prepare as thoroughly as possible for flights to Russia.