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Og,
thought that may have been the case. Keep in mind one of the best defences is a documented hazard analysis based on AS 4360 ( think that is the number ), conducted by suitably experienced and briefed individuals with the hazards, threat levels and mitigators duly documented. Also things like not operating near search radar, suitable training heights and areas etc all come into play.
Take a complete systems approach with the over riding question being do we really need to be doing this being rule 2 behind rule 1, don't become a victim.
In terms of numbers I know of one operator who conducts more than 600 real and practice hoists PER YEAR and NONE of those involved wanted the balisitic cutter installed for their operation. It is a major industrial issue for them. The hand shears have been demonstrated to provide an equivalent level of safety. The standard is gone in 5 seconds if I recall.
Nick,
Done a lot of winching have you????????? Similar comments came out of the Oz CASA until it was asked who in the discussion had actually been winched or operated the winch.
You really need to work on a professionally crewed winch helicopter. In most instances the pilot is completely reliant on the winch operator and probably can't see what is going on below anyway as I would hope they are holding some sort of lateral and vertical reference. The crewman ( crewperson for those wishing political correctness ) co-ords the show unless the fan winds down.
Get the CRM going Nick, a SAR or winch operation involves ALL the crew and it had better been thought out, documented and practiced until it all just flows.
Round 3....
The EYE.