Helicopter Search and Rescue Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Helicopter Search and Rescue Exam

The Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Exam evaluates your knowledge of procedures, techniques, and safety measures required to conduct successful helicopter-based SAR missions. These missions often involve dynamic environments, coordination with multiple agencies, and quick decision-making under pressure. Below is a comprehensive study guide to help you prepare.

Key Topics to Study

1. Mission Planning and Preparation

Pre-Mission Briefing:
- Understanding the mission objective.
- Reviewing weather conditions, terrain, and potential hazards.
Aircraft Preparation:
- Ensuring proper SAR equipment is onboard (hoists, rescue baskets, litters).
- Verifying fuel, weight, and balance requirements.
Risk Assessment:
- Identifying and mitigating mission-specific risks (weather, obstacles, visibility).

2. Search Techniques

Search Patterns:
- Expanding square, parallel track, creeping line, and sector search.
Navigation:
- Using GPS, radar, and visual landmarks to locate targets.
Visual Scanning:
- Techniques for spotting survivors or debris in various environments (land, water).

3. Rescue Operations

Rescue Hoist Operations:
- Safe deployment and retrieval of rescue swimmers and equipment.
- Communication between crew members during hoist operations.
Surface Rescue Techniques:
- Coordinating with ground or water-based rescue teams.
- Proper use of rescue baskets, harnesses, and litters.
In-Flight Medical Care:
- Stabilizing and transporting injured survivors.

4. Environmental Considerations

Water Rescue:
- Techniques for rescues in rough seas, strong currents, or cold water.
- Use of flotation devices and hypothermia prevention.
Mountain and High Terrain Rescue:
- Dealing with altitude effects, downdrafts, and terrain obstacles.
Urban SAR:
- Rescuing individuals from rooftops or confined spaces during disasters.
Weather Challenges:
- Operating in poor visibility, turbulence, and extreme temperatures.

5. Coordination and Communication

Interagency Coordination:
- Working with coast guards, fire departments, police, or military forces.
Radio Communication:
- Use of SAR-specific frequencies and protocols.
Crew Resource Management (CRM):
- Maintaining effective communication and task delegation among crew members.

6. Safety Protocols

Flight Deck Safety:
- Ensuring safe embarkation and disembarkation of survivors.
- Managing hazardous equipment like rotors and hoist cables.
Emergency Procedures:
- Responding to in-flight emergencies such as engine failure or system malfunctions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Requirements for helmets, harnesses, and survival suits.

7. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Rules of Engagement:
- Determining when to initiate rescues in contested or dangerous areas.
Survivor Prioritization:
- Medical triage and deciding the order of evacuation.
Documentation:
- Logging mission details and outcomes for legal and operational reviews.

8. Post-Mission Procedures

Debriefing:
- Analyzing mission performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Equipment Maintenance:
- Inspecting and maintaining SAR equipment for readiness.
Crew Rest and Recovery:
- Ensuring physical and mental well-being post-mission.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
What is the most suitable search pattern for locating a small object in a known area of high precision?
- A. Expanding Square.
- B. Parallel Track.
- C. Sector Search.
- D. Creeping Line.
(Correct Answer: C)
Scenario Question:
While conducting a water rescue in rough seas, the hoist malfunctions midway. Describe the immediate actions you would take to ensure the safety of the rescue swimmer and the survivor.
True/False:
During urban SAR operations, hovering too close to buildings may cause dangerous rotor wash effects.
(Correct Answer: True)
Calculation Problem:
If a helicopter has a fuel reserve of 2 hours and the round trip to the search area is 90 minutes, how much time can be spent conducting the search?
Practical Question:
Explain how to stabilize a hypothermic survivor during a rescue and prepare them for transport in the helicopter.

Study Tips

Review SAR Equipment and Operations Manuals
- Familiarize yourself with hoists, rescue baskets, litters, and other gear.
Simulate Search Patterns
- Practice applying different search patterns using maps or flight simulators.
Study Real-Life SAR Case Studies
- Learn from past missions to understand common challenges and effective solutions.
Practice Emergency Drills
- Engage in hoist failure, medical emergency, and weather-related drills.
Focus on Communication
- Practice using SAR-specific radio protocols and CRM techniques.
Understand the Environment
- Study the unique challenges of water, mountain, and urban rescues.