Section II. HIGH PERFORMANCE HOIST OPERATIONS
5-9.
THE HIGH PERFORMANCE HOIST
The high performance utility hoist (figure 5-12) is usually internally mounted
(mounted inside the helicopter), but can sometimes be mounted externally. The hoist
basically consists of a 256-foot hoist cable (1/4 inch in diameter) with hook, an electric
wench used to reel-out and reel-in the cable, a boom, and control devices. The hoist is
used to lift casualties to the helicopter when a landing is not possible. The hoist can lift
up to 600 pounds, depending upon the weather. Because there is a high degree of risk
involved in a hoist operation, it should be used only when there is no other option. Hoist
rescue may be required when casualties are in water, in a jungle, or in a mountainous
area. The last 50 feet of the cable are color-coded.
Figure 5-12. The hoist system.
WARNING
The hoist operator must always wear a safety harness and lifeline when
performing hoist operations.
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