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Welcome to Christ Church, Blacklands & St. Andrew, Laton Road, Hastings
At our meeting on the 19th March a very interesting talk was given by Squadron Leader David Carey on the R A F Air/Sea Rescue Service, based on his 36 years RAF service flying helicopters and, in particular, rescue helicopters. He explained in an entertaining and amusing way the difficulties, pleasures and priorities of the job with slides to dramatise the talk. We saw on his excellent maps where the helicopters were based and how they covered the all risk areas such as the Lakes, mountains and sea for climbers, swimmers, and sailors who may get into difficulties. The crews operate 24-hour shifts and are ready to scramble at 15 minutes notice during the day and 45 minutes notice during the night, although their response is usually quicker than that. They are controlled from a base in Scotland. Each helicopter has a crew of 4 and can carry up to 18 passengers from an emergency. Of the four, the most important man is the winch man. He’s the crewman who ‘dangles’ on the end of the wire and is responsible for rescuing the person or persons in difficulty. This job is very dangerous, as he explained graphically at the end of his talk. The winch-man has to be lowered down to the ground or sea, sometimes even having to drop into the sea, in all conditions, to achieve a rescue or, as is sometimes the sad case, pick up fatalities. He alone is responsible, by hand signals, to guide the helicopter to the desired position. The hand signals are given to the winch operator, who tells the pilot verbally, as he is unable to see where the winch-man is, being able to see to the front, sides and back into the helicopter but not underneath it. They all have to work together and have complete confidence in each other.
Squadron Leader Carey was thanked by all for his most enjoyable talk.
The next meeting of the group will be on Monday April 16th at 7.30 pm when we are holding a “Hobbies Evening”. Members will be exhibiting, demonstrating and talking about their varied hobbies and interests. There is an open invitation to anyone who would like to come along and have a look or listen. There is no charge and tea and coffee will be available. There will also be a raffle.
Parish Group