Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will demonstrate knowledge of emergency equipment and survival gear requirements for helicopter operations, including proper operation of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and fire extinguishers, selection of appropriate survival gear for various operational environments, and effective passenger briefing techniques. The student will be able to identify appropriate equipment and personal gear for specific operational scenarios and brief passengers on proper use of onboard emergency equipment and survival gear in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K.

Content

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Operations, Limitations, and Testing Requirements

Emergency Locator Transmitters are critical survival equipment designed to aid search and rescue operations following an aircraft accident. Per 14 CFR 91.207, helicopters operated for hire must be equipped with an approved ELT.

ELT Types and Operations:

• 121.5 MHz ELTs (being phased out): Transmit on civil emergency frequency
• 406 MHz ELTs (preferred): Digital signal with GPS capability, monitored by COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system
• Automatic activation occurs upon impact forces of 5-7 Gs
• Manual activation via cockpit switch or remote switch
• Battery life: minimum 48 hours of continuous operation at -20°C

Testing Requirements per 14 CFR 91.207:

• Inspect ELT operation and battery corrosion every 12 calendar months
• Test only during first 5 minutes of each hour
• Test duration not to exceed 3 audible sweeps
• Replace battery when 50% of useful life has expired or after 1 hour of cumulative use

Limitations:

• Terrain masking can prevent signal transmission
• False activation rate of older 121.5 MHz units
• Antenna damage during crash can render unit ineffective

Fire Extinguisher Operations and Limitations

Helicopter fire extinguishers are typically Halon 1211 or dry chemical types, designed for Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical) fires.

Operation:

• Remove safety pin
• Aim at base of fire
• Squeeze trigger using PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
• Discharge in short bursts to conserve agent

Limitations:

• Limited discharge time (typically 8-15 seconds)
• Effective range of 6-8 feet
• Temperature limitations affect pressure and effectiveness
• Halon 1211 produces toxic gases in confined spaces
• Single-use limitation after partial discharge

Emergency Equipment for Climate Extremes

Hot Climate Operations: Think of desert survival as managing the “big three killers”: dehydration, hyperthermia, and exposure. Like a helicopter’s cooling system, your body needs constant temperature regulation.

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day minimum
• Electrolyte replacement tablets
• Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Emergency shelter/tarp for shade
• Signaling devices (mirror, whistle, bright cloth)

Cold Climate Operations: Cold weather survival follows the “layer principle” - just like helicopter systems need redundancy, your clothing needs multiple layers for backup warmth.

• Insulated clothing using layer system (base, insulating, shell)
• Emergency bivvy sack or survival shelter
• High-calorie food (body’s furnace needs fuel)
• Waterproof matches and fire starting materials
• Emergency heat sources (hand/body warmers)
• Extra batteries (cold reduces battery life by 50%)

Emergency Equipment for Mountainous Terrain

Mountain operations present unique challenges combining altitude effects, weather changes, and difficult rescue access. Think of mountain survival gear as your “insurance policy” against terrain that doesn’t forgive mistakes.

• Topographic maps and compass (GPS can fail)
• Avalanche beacon in winter operations
• High-energy food for increased metabolic demands
• Extra clothing for rapid weather changes
• First aid supplies for trauma injuries
• Signaling devices visible from air (mirror, orange panels)
• Emergency shelter rated for wind and precipitation

Emergency Equipment for Overwater Operations

Overwater helicopter operations require specialized equipment per 14 CFR 91.205 and company operations specifications for flights beyond autorotational distance from shore.

Required Equipment Beyond 50 NM from Shore:

• Life preservers for each occupant (inflatable type recommended)
• Life rafts with capacity for all occupants
• Pyrotechnic signaling devices

Recommended Additional Equipment:

• Immersion suits for cold water (water below 60°F)
• Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
• Waterproof flashlights
• First aid kit in waterproof container
• Emergency rations and water
• Fishing kit and water purification tablets

Risk Management: Survival Gear for 48-72 Hours

The “Rule of Threes” governs survival priorities: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter in harsh conditions, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. Your survival gear must address these priorities systematically.

Water Requirements:

• Minimum 1 gallon per person for 3 days (hot climates)
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Collection method (tarp, container)

Clothing and Shelter:

• Clothing appropriate for worst expected conditions
• Emergency bivvy or survival shelter
• Insulation from ground (sleeping pad/mat)
• Rain protection

Sustenance:

• High-calorie emergency rations (2400+ calories per day per person)
• No-cook preparation capability
• Protection from animals/weather

Schedule

Equipment

• FAA-S-ACS-15 Private Pilot Helicopter Airman Certification Standards
• 14 CFR Parts 91 and 135
• FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook
• Sample ELT (121.5 MHz and 406 MHz units)
• Fire extinguisher (training unit)
• Display of survival equipment for various environments
• Life preservers and life raft (if available)
• Emergency equipment checklist
• Sectional charts showing overwater and mountainous areas
• Survival gear calculation worksheet

Instructor Actions

1. Introduce lesson objectives and relate emergency equipment to accident survival statistics, emphasizing that proper equipment selection can mean the difference between life and death.

2. Demonstrate ELT operation by showing both 121.5 MHz and 406 MHz units, explaining activation methods, and conducting proper testing procedure during appropriate time window.

3. Show ELT battery replacement criteria using actual expired battery as example, explaining 50% useful life rule and cumulative use limitations.

4. Demonstrate fire extinguisher operation using training unit, emphasizing PASS method and proper aim point at base of fire.

5. Present climate-specific survival scenarios using actual weather data and case studies, asking student to identify critical equipment needs for each scenario.

6. Display and explain mountainous terrain equipment using topographic chart to show helicopter limitations and escape routes, relating equipment to specific terrain challenges.

7. Review overwater equipment requirements using 14 CFR 91.205 and company specifications, emphasizing legal minimums versus recommended equipment.

8. Guide student through 48-72 hour survival planning exercise using local area scenarios and seasonal considerations.

9. Model effective passenger briefing technique demonstrating proper sequence, clear language, and verification of understanding.

10. Critique student passenger briefing practice providing specific feedback on clarity, completeness, and passenger engagement.

11. Assess student knowledge through scenario-based questioning covering all knowledge areas and risk management elements.

Student Actions

1. Examine ELT units and practice activation procedures, demonstrating understanding of testing limitations and battery requirements.

2. Practice fire extinguisher operation using training unit, showing proper PASS technique and explaining agent limitations.

3. Analyze survival scenarios for different climates, selecting appropriate equipment and explaining rationale for choices.

4. Identify mountainous terrain challenges using charts and equipment displays, relating gear selection to specific hazards.

5. Calculate overwater survival requirements based on flight distance from shore and water temperature conditions.

6. Develop 48-72 hour survival kit appropriate for local area operations, considering weight and storage limitations.

7. Practice passenger briefing covering location and operation of all emergency equipment, using clear language and logical sequence.

8. Respond to scenario-based questions demonstrating application of emergency equipment knowledge to real-world situations.

9. Complete equipment identification exercise showing ability to match appropriate gear to operational environment and regulatory requirements.

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and skill in emergency equipment and survival gear when able to:

1. Explain ELT operations and limitations in accordance with 14 CFR 91.207, including proper testing procedures and battery replacement criteria (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Knowledge).

2. Demonstrate fire extinguisher operation using PASS method and explain limitations including discharge time, range, and agent effectiveness (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Knowledge).

3. Select appropriate emergency equipment for climate extremes (hot/cold), mountainous terrain, and overwater operations, explaining rationale for each item (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Knowledge and Skill).

4. Plan survival gear requirements for 48-72 hours addressing water (minimum 1 gallon/person/day), clothing, and shelter needs appropriate to operational environment (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Risk Management).

5. Identify appropriate equipment and personal gear for given operational scenarios within 90% accuracy, considering regulatory requirements, environmental factors, and weight limitations (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Skill).

6. Brief passengers on emergency equipment use covering location, operation, and limitations of all onboard equipment using clear, logical sequence and verifying passenger understanding (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Skill).

7. Apply emergency equipment knowledge to scenario-based problems, demonstrating ability to prioritize equipment needs and adapt selections to changing conditions (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.VIII.K Knowledge, Risk Management, and Skill).