So then, you have your MK4 (or whatever) issue torch nicely tucked in your LCJ to go night flying.Tick.
Unfortunately, in the rush to put the myriad of other kit on board the cab, you haven't attached it to a lanyard (which you don't get issued). Untick.
You go and do your walk around with your (let's face it, pretty crap) issue torch which you have now removed from it's stowage and then placed back in again (probably not fully as it is dark and time is pressing). Half a tick.
Back into the cab, sort out the cabin (or strap into the cockpit), start the engines and ready to go. Tick.
Taxi out, get airborne and get your map/chart/FLIP out for the NVG leg. Tick.
Take out your issue torch so you can see aforementioned paperwork- uh oh, no torch!! Big untick.
What do you do??
a) Fess up straight away that you have lost your issue torch and terminate the sortie as you don't know where it is?
b) Continue sortie in the safe knowledge that this was an "approved, issue torch" and therefore should be safe? (Toungue in cheek)
Now, a head torch, which you would not forget is on your head (I hope!!) can be used for the walk-around and placed safely back in a sealed pocket/rucsack/helmet bag (yes, yet more 'unapproved' items!) Whilst your 'issue' RA torch, with approved NVG filter, can stay safely attached to your LCJ by the lanyard/clip that you used BEFORE you left the Ops/briefing room, thus knowing where it is at all times.
See my point?
*Obviously this scenario is based around Rotary but can be transposed to fixed wing multis etc (Agreed, FJ is a bit different)
Last edited by TheWizard; 23rd Jan 2011 at 14:04.
Reason: To make it more obvious