Driptray,
Fully agree, you'll find that Breeze have issued an alert bulletin, (I've got a copy at work) highlighting NOT to rappel off a hoist cable.
Heedm,
I recall the back seat stick (10% authority?) would only operate when auto hover engaged, usually using Doppler reference. OGE hovers in the high country wouldn't allow auto hover, hence a dead issue, surely? Although I quite agree that the back seat should winch, & the drivers drive...
Tecpilot, I'd be interested in any contact details for the equipment that you use for fixed line ops. We operate in the snow with a BK117, and sometimes get called for SAR, but pick ups are often a problem. Most times we finish up dropping off a ground crew who walk in, then spend another couple of hours walking out with the survivor, unless we can hover close enough to pick up the team. Could be a time saving option that we haven't considered if you have details. TIA.