Length: 20 Min.
Year Produced:1992
Emergency Helicopter Abandonment
Helicopters are a very safe and efficient means of transporting to and from offshore locations, but like any man made device, they are prone to failure. As the number of personnel flying over water increases, there is a greater risk of helicopter ditchings and the need for personnel to be trained in underwater escape methods. This video outlines the actions required by passengers during a a controlled ditching (autorotation to an upright position), a semi-controlled ditching (autorotation with immediate capsizing) and an uncontrolled ditching (mid-flight break up or hard entry into the water). Emphasis is placed on preflight preparation, listening to the flight crew, use of seat belt, knowledge of proper crash positions, and the ability of passengers to orient themselves underwater in order to locate and activate submerged aircraft exits. (20 Minutes)
Script Sample
...Once you have been notified of an emergency landing procedure, you may only have moments to prepare yourself It is very unusual for passengers to have more than one to two minutes of warning, and most of the time you'll have less than 15 seconds.
It won't do any good to start asking questions on what you should do once the call for ditching goes out. Your best defensive action is good pre-flight training and good in-flight preparation.
If ditching is imminent and little or no warning is possible, you should immediately get into a crash position. Those who do not brace are much more likely to perish upon impact, a fact evidenced by the recent study of numerous crash sites.
However, if there is advanced warning with time to prepare for ditching, begin by tightening your seat belt. Remove and secure any sharp or loose objects such as glasses, dentures, pen in the pocket, hard hat, or a briefcase laying loose in the cabin. Don your immersion suit hood or a wool hat, and if available place a diver's face mask over your eyes and nose.
Assume the crash position. Brace your body for impact by bending over, arching the spine with your chest on your thighs, and wrapping your arm closest to your primary exit tightly under your thighs for protection. With the other hand, grab the leg of the chair or seat itself. Brace your feet firmly on the floor, slightly apart.
If your are unable to bend completely over due to an obstruction in from of your seat, assume the alternative crash position. Cradle your head with one arm and then brace it against the seat or any structure ahead of your to prevent movement. Hold onto the seat with your other arm.
The adoption of a good crash position can increase your rate of survival in several ways...