SAR Fundamentals/Helicopter

Subject
Helicopter in SAR

Authors
Brett Wuth

Scope

 * SAR Fundamentals Manual: Ch.29 "Helicopter in SAR"
 * Basic SAR Skills Manual: F-6 "Helicopter Operations"

Objectives
At the conclusion of this lesson the participants:
 * 1) will be able to ...

Time Plan
Total Time: 45 minutes
 * 2005-02: 60 min
 * 2011-03: 42 min
 * 2013-02: 43 min

Introduce topic title

Introduce Instructor

Present Objectives

play Helicoper Operation video - both parts

Use of helicopter in SAR?
 * rescue evacuation
 * transport searchers, rescuers
 * spotting, infrared
 * area orientation

Limitations
 * may be dropped off on a peak, lonely spot
 * may have to walk out
 * often limited by weather
 * warmer air is thinner, less lift

Some stuff may have to go in tail storage
 * bear spray
 * flares
 * fire starter

Overhead slide SAR Fundamentals pg 381


 * exit/enter
 * down hill slide
 * still in pilot's sight
 * still not towards rear

 distribute STARS LZ card

creating landing zone
 * may have to set up for a rescue, or at search base
 * appoint LZ officer
 * large open area, eg. 40m x 40m
 * avoid overhead area
 * consider approach and exit via wind direction
 * clean area
 * pack down snow with snowmobiles
 * keep all people away

signaling
 * stand center of up-wind side of LZ
 * make sure you don't have anything that will fly away
 * take off hat
 * keep eye on area for anything unsafe
 * wave off helicopter if unsafe
 * landing/takeoff
 * hands straight up
 * kneel as helicopter gets closer
 * do not move away, helicopter will follow you

Aids

 * non published material
 * Helicopter Operations video

Question bank
See

License
Copyright (c) 2012, Brett Wuth. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 Canada License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, 559 Nathan Abbott Way, Stanford, California 94305, USA.

Reference Material
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