Part 83, page 310

Transcript

The scan is the source; the transcript is machine-generated from it.

PROBLEM: Blinding ground personnel with helicopter lights

DISCUSSION: This problem occurs during initial fire-kit hook-up, during landing approaches, when fighting fires, and when retrieving the firekit from the mission site. Proper use of helicopter lighting is essential. On the firekit pick-up with only the floodlights on, it is easier for the hook-up man to avoid looking directly into the lights. Blinded, he cannot see sufficiently to effect a safe and proper hook-up. On landing approaches the same situation appears. The landing light must be "OFF" if the ground signalman is to be relied upon. Ground personnel can expect to be momentarily blinded should they look into the lights. Spots that limit fall vision last for minutes. Particles of sand, etc. that are picked up by rotor-wash magnifies this problem. As the fire diminishes, it is possible for the fire-fighters hood to refract the helicopter lights. Fire-fighters should be cautioned in this area. The pilot should be alert for the possibility that ground personnel are trying to operate with the loss of night vision. It is conceivable that they could attempt a side approach being unable to determine the front.

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The blinding light problem is also encountered in night hoist and sling operations.

PROBLEM: Loss of instrument visibility

DISCUSSION: Due to the many demands of the fire-fighting operation, the pilot should give full attention outside the cockpit. The brilliance of the fire will cause the pilot to lose night vision and instrument visibility. Instruments are monitored by the copilot using a flashlight. Before takeoff is attempted, the pilot should have instrument visibility. Perhaps a delay to await return of night vision is warranted.

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PROBLEM: Hypnotic effect of fire

DISCUSSION: Fire destroys and distorts horizontal references. The dancing flames have a hypnotic effect which attracts the pilot's attention to the extent that he may be unable to detect aircraft movement. The pilot must make a conscious effort to shift his attention, check altitude, check hover reference, check fire-fighters, check for hazards to the helicopter, etc. Firefighters make a good hover reference in the fire. The pilot must avoid looking at the brilliant part of the blaze as his perspective can be distorted and erratic aircraft control can result. The copilot should mon-itor instruments, hover position, and be alert to warn the pilot as necessary.

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ONE-MAN AIRLIFT—With the assistance of an HOK-1 crew from VMO-2, Gy/Sgt. Sam Griffiths, 40, of the First Marine Air Wing at Iwakuni took this means of stimulating interest in physical fitness at NAS Atsugi, Japan. The 23 year Marine Corps veteran, voted "Mr. Physical Fitness" of 1960, stopped at Atsugi during an inspection of Special Services facilities in the Far East. The tour is being conducted in conjunction with President Kennedy's Physical Fitness Program. Pilot of the helicopter is Marine Capt. Robert D. Myers and L/Cpl. James E. Turner is crewman. (Pacific Stars and Stripes photo)

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VMO-1 VISITORS-Personnel attached to VMO-1, MAG-26, MCAF, Jacksonville, N.C., were conducted on a plant tour during a recent visit to Kaman Aircraft. Shown are, left to right, William Wells and Raymond Vokes, Field Service Department; M/Sgt. Raymond B. Taylor, Lts. Donald P. Reichert, Patrick J. McMorrow, William N. Simmons, Robert L. Norton; Ray G. Russell, Field Service Representative; Capt. Robert J. [Thomp-son]; Lt. William S. Ebersole; Capt. John A. Conniff; S/Sgt. Frank Williams; Capt. Charles A. Carey, Maintenance Officer; GySgt. Earl J. Lehrman; Lt. Col. Earl W. Cassidy, Commanding Officer; M/Sgt. Forrest G. Alexander; Lt. Ansley S. Horton; Maj. Herbert A. Nelson, Executive Officer; GySgt. Eldon R. Laraway; S/Sgts. Nicholas P. Dilabritus, Ivan J. Vlach; Maj. Joseph Keller, H&MS-26; S/Sgts. Harvey Dunn, Lloyd L. Love; Her-bert Langenfeld, Military Operations Research Department.

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KAMAN ROTOR TIPS AUGUST, 1962 17 DB Cooper 36783