HELICOPTER RESCUE DEVICES

Every Aircrew Survival Equipmentman should be familiar with the equipment used in rescue

Figure 5-12.-Transmitting set, radio, AN/PRT-5 with flotation collar.

from the sea or land by helicopters. (Refer to Navy Search and Rescue Manual, NWP 19-1, for procedures and techniques involving at-sea aircrew rescues.) The helicopter's ability to land and takeoff in a small area and to hover over a spot lends itself very effectively to rescue work.

There are three methods by which a helicopter may make a rescue. The first is by hovering, the second by landing, and the third by making a low, slow pass with the rescue device hanging near ground level. The latter is used mainly in hostile areas when the helicopter pilot does not wish to present the aircraft or the survivor as a stationary target for enemy gunners. By far, the most common helicopter pickup is made by hovering.

NOTE: A static charge of electricity is built up in the helicopter and must be dissipated by grounding. Do NOT touch the rescue device until after it has contacted the ground or water to permit the discharge of static electricity and prevent electrical shock.

Research, development, test, and evaluation of air rescue devices has been continuous since the helicopter became the primary rescue vehicle. The various types of rescue devices, their functions, and associated maintenance procedures are discussed in the sections that follow.

All helicopter rescue devices must be scheduled into periodic maintenance under the direction and control of the maintenance/material control officer to which the equipment is assigned.

Maintenance must be thorough at all times. No instance of careless treatment or willful neglect of aircrew personal protective equipment will be condoned. The vital function of the equipment must be uppermost in the minds of all personnel concerned.

Individual paralofts normally store and maintain all helicopter rescue devices, and checkout is on an individual basis. Because of the lack of individual identification of the rescue devices, it is impossible to match the Aviation Crew Systems History Card to the rescue device. All rescue devices should be locally serialized by individual paralofts to ensure positive control of inspection cycles performed on helicopter rescue devices.

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