This SAE Aerospace Standard (AS) establishes Minimum Performance Standards (MPS) for life rafts carried on board aircraft. This document is not intended to specify particular design methods, mechanisms, or equipment to be used to accomplish the objectives established herein.

The purpose of this AS is to improve the performance of life rafts carried on transport aircraft, by ensuring that their design and function support rapid and effective use as group flotation aids after an emergency landing in water (ditching).

ARP1356A has been converted to AS1356, at the request of the FAA, to support revision of Technical Standard Order C-70.