Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan winching operations
- Tasking requirements are identified
- Crew and equipment required to ensure safe achievement of task are determined
- Helicopter performance data is interpreted and calculated to ensure suitability of aircraft for operations
- Outbound and return flight routes are planned
- Operations at winch site including obstructions, terrain and any factors that may adversely affect lift are planned
- Security and care of passengers and/or equipment to be winched on board is planned
- Conduct pre-flight briefings for winching operations
- Requirements of the winch operation are explained and confirmed
- Location, terrain features (sea state as applicable) and forecast weather conditions are obtained and confirmed
- Winch and role equipment is checked
- Pilot and crew responsibilities and communication procedures are explained
- Mode of lift (e.g. single strop lift, double lift, net deployment, etc.) is explained
- Arrangements for care and security of passengers and/or equipment to be winched are explained
- Winch emergency procedures are explained
- Operate the helicopter during winching operations
- Adequacy of hover power margin and control limits to perform winching operations is checked and maintained
- Site inspection, approach and hover heading are determined in accordance with operational requirements
- Descent and approach is controlled to terminate over winch site (both land and water)
- Control is applied to helicopter to maintain position over winch site
- Winch limitations are observed
- Cable fouling is avoided
- Power is applied to lift external load
- Safety and security of passengers and/or cargo is managed
- Manage abnormal and emergency situations during winching operations
- Conduct post-flight briefings for winching operations