equipment, such as the personnel locator system; and depending on its
availability and the type of aircraft being flown, the Omega, PINS,
or GPS. Each of these systems is an integral component of the self-
deployment mission, especially if problems are encountered en route.
Mission success depends on the AST's proficiency in using special
equipment. To increase the AST's proficiency and to build the self-
deploying aircrews' confidence in the AST's ability, joint training
flights are essential.
d. SAR Operations
Only two helicopters in each flight are equipped to perform
rescue operations.
These aircraft are the lead helicopter and the
trail or rescue helicopter.
ASTs fly the lead and trail or rescue
aircraft and must be trained using rescue hoists installed in the
aircraft.
Joint SAR training between self-deploying aircrews and
ASTs is a must.
Joint training ensures that procedures are
established for personnel pickup and that standardization is achieved
between self-deploying aircrews and ASTs.
Proficiency in SAR
operations develops cohesion between self-deploying aircrews and the
ASTs.
e. Aircraft Life Support Equipment
ALSE and water survival training should be mandatory for self-
deploying aircrews and for ASTs.
ALSE training can be achieved
through a unit training program.
Success of this training program
largely depends on the unit's ability to obtain equipment and
facilities.
Water survival training, including ditching and
egressing, also may be achieved through a unit training program. The
number of qualified trainers and adequate facilities will determine
the extent of the unit's training program.
Gaps in unit training
programs may be filled by training the trainers or by training the
individual aircrew members in water survival courses presented by
sister services.
However, reliance on sister-services training
requires early designation of self-deploying aircrews and ASTs.
f. Stopover Point Ground Support Teams
Personnel assigned to stopover point GSTs perform tasks
normally associated with their MOS.
Therefore, there is little
requirement for special training of these personnel.
However,
maintenance personnel who are qualified to perform unscheduled
maintenance on self-deployment equipment that is peculiar to each
helicopter must be available.
This type of equipment includes
extended-range fuel systems, navigation equipment, and communications
equipment.
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AV1525
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