Which item is NOT considered part of the survival gear to don before ditching?

The item that is NOT considered part of the survival gear to don before ditching is a survival suit. In the context of ditching, which refers to an emergency landing on water, survival gear typically focuses on items that enhance immediate survival and visibility after leaving the aircraft.

A survival suit, while it serves a protective function in cold water or harsh conditions, is often not practical to don quickly during a ditching scenario. Instead, essential gear, such as a flotation device to help keep the individual afloat, a helmet with the visor down for head protection and visibility in the water, and a flashlight for signaling and visibility at night, are prioritized. This ensures that individuals can exit the aircraft efficiently and stay safe while awaiting rescue.

The emphasis on gear that can be quickly utilized and that maximizes immediate survival needs is why items like flotation devices, helmets, and flashlights are essential, while survival suits are not considered a necessary item to don in the immediate moments before ditching.