Fast Rope Emergency Procedures

Question 1

Emergency Recovery of Ropers From A Vessel

Answer 1

1. Retrieve or jettison fast rope (FM)
2. Conn helicopter in for bare hook recovery (FM)
3. Complete or abort fast rope evolution - As required

Question 2

Emergency Rope Jettison

Answer 2

1. Announce, “CUT ROPE, CUT ROPE, CUT ROPE” (CREW-MEMBER)
2. Hold position until cleared “BACK AND LEFT” (P)
3. Pull pin from quick release clevis (FM)
   -If unable to pull quick release:
4. Announce “SHEAR”
5. ROPE IS AWAY (FM)
6. Conn helicopter back and left (FM)

Question 3

Lost ICS

Answer 3

1. Maintain position (P)
2. Continue or abort fast rope evolution - As required (FM)
3. Retrieve or jettison rope - As required (FM)
   -After fast rope is clear:
4. Signal pilot to reestablish visual reference with vertical insertion area by pointing to the left side of the aircraft (FM)
5. Signal pilot to MOVE BACK and LEFT (CP)

Question 4

Hung Roper

Answer 4

1. Announce “HUNG ROPER” (FM)
2. Hold position (P)
3. Attach hoist hook to ring in fast rope eye splice, take the load with the hoist, pull release handle to free rope from FRIES bar, lower fast rope
4. Once roper is clear, recover fast rope and continue/abort vertical insertion evolution (FM)
   -If hung roper unable to free self:
5. Give roper the CUT ROPE hand signal (FM)
6. Disconnect fast rope from hoist hook and give the READY FOR PICKUP hand signal (recover bare hoist hook only)(Roper)
7. Hold position until cleared “BACK and LEFT” (P)
8. Recover hoist hook and conn aircraft clear of deployment area (FM)
9. Recover rope and ropers, continue/abort mission (FM)