Options for liferaft entry after helicopter ditching
Brooks, C.J.; Potter, P.L.; De Lange, D.; Baranski, J.V.; Anderson, J.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine 69(8): 743-749
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-6562 PMID: 9715961 Document Number: 497094
Dry and wet evacuations were conducted by 24 male and 19 female subjects from the Nutec Super Puma Simulator into two different types of aviation liferaft. Dry evacuation on the windward side is the method of choice. The non-canopy raft is subjectively and objectively easier to enter both from the helicopter and the sea. The non-canopy raft is the raft of choice, the canopy raft needs a redesign to ensure that it always inflates the correct way and both rafts need a redesign of the painter anchor point. Aircrew should have special training in open water after traditional pool training. A helicopter ditching survival compass has been developed for training all who fly over water for a living.