GUIDELINES FOR USING HELICOPTERS
FOR TRAINING & OPERATIONAL TASKS

Safety Points

For further picture illustrations please check out this poster.

The main rotors of a helicopter, which provide the vertical lift component, spin approximately 500 rpm, with a tip speed around 700 feet/sec.

Never approach a helicopter when the rotors are spinning slowly, almost stopping. The rotor tips are drooping the most due to gravity, and it would be easy to get hit by a rotor tip.

 Always have the pilot or load master in sight.

 Never approach a helicopter from the rear. The tail rotor, which counter acts the torque of the main rotor, spins with a tip speed around 700 feet/sec, and is low to the ground. This is the one that kills people.

Even if the engine is off, always approach a helicopter from the front. 

 Some newer helicopters are "NOTAR's" (No Tail Rotor) where the exhaust gases from the jet engine are used to counteract torque as well as steer the helicopter. 

Since this exhaust is several hundred degrees, you and your dog need to stay away just as if there were a tail rotor. 

When you want to approach the helicopter, wait for the thumbs up signal from the pilots or load master.

Never approach without permission. If it looks like the pilot or the crew are ignoring you, they aren't.  They know exactly where you are but don't want to make contact until the right time.

Some agencies have a policy that the rotors must stop turning before people can get on board.

 In many situations, the helicopter will land, the load master will walk out to you, take your pack, and walk with you to the helicopter.

 The load master will indicate where he wishes for you to sit.

Be fully aware of the correct way of being secured into either the lap belts or the four way harnesses fitted to the helicopters seats.

Always check out your escape route and how the doors and windows operate in an emergency.

When landing, remind seated until the load master gives you the signal to un buckle your seat belt.

Remain in your seat until the load master opens the door and informs you to exit the helicopter.

HOW THE DOGS REACT:

Dogs react to the noise, wind, and vibrations.

The lower the vibrations, the less they like it. Small (4 seater) helicopters have higher vibrations, and dogs will usually ride just as they do in a car.

 Larger helicopters (10+ seaters) have low vibrations, and many dogs get spooked approaching, as well as in flight.

  Be prepared to carry your dog to the helicopter if necessary.

Carrying them, may be the only way to insure total control. An edge protection harness should also be worn by your dog to give the handler total control over the dog and prevent the dog from slipping their collars and escaping.

 Make a second trip for your pack if necessary or get another member of the team to carry it for you.

Be sure to exercise your dog before any flights to prevent any mishaps on the helicopter.

 
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU:

Anytime you are airlifted to a search area, plan on not flying back. Take your day pack with extra food & clothing in the event that you will spend the night. It is not uncommon that weather, fuel, or other search priorities will prevent you from being picked up at the appointed time (if at all). Be prepared! Ideally your pack goes with you.

You may run into the situation where due to weight restrictions, they want to fly just you and your dog, and bring your pack "on the next trip".  Be cautious, as there may be other priorities or mechanical problems, preventing you getting your pack! This has happened on several occasions.

 
WHAT TO WEAR:

Full Fire Service PPE (as designated by your brigade) must be worn when operating with helicopters.

BEFORE YOU LOAD:

-         Know the weight of your pack and equipment

-         The weight of yourself and your dog

-         Make sure all your gear is secured.

-         No loose strap ends, no loose leashes, scarves, no long antennae, etc.

-         Do not wear a hat when approaching or leaving a helicopter.

-         Goggles or safety glasses are great to wear to protect your eyes from rotor wash.

-         Ear protect must be worn at all times

DURING THE FLIGHT:

Give your dog reassurance at all times.

During the flight, talk to your dog in a lower than normal voice (don't yell) at the dog, especially in their ears.

Make sure that you have at least one point of contact on your dog at all times, Especially when the load master opens the door of the helicopter. 

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR INSERTION POINT:

Once you have landed, the CC might walk away with you, or point to the direction he wants you to go. If you are on a hill, always walk down hill, so you don't walk up into the main rotors. Again, never walk towards the rear of the ship, always the front. When you are at a safe distance, get on your knees with your back to the helicopter and shield your dog’s eyes and their body. When the pilot starts tilting the rotors to create lift, a tremendous amount of debris can blow up from the ground, called rotor wash.

WHEN YOU ARE BEING EXTRACTED OFF THE HILL:

If you are on the hill and need helicopter extraction for the victim, or yourself, there are a few things to radio to the pilot. Your exact location, elevation, how many to be picked up, and total weight of people, dogs, and packs. If you are able, find a good spot for a landing zone (LZ) and go to it.

If there aren't any, the team may need to be winched out. Advise the approximate wind speed and direction.

For further illustrations please check out this poster.