Life Raft Operations

Question 1

What are the priorities of survival?

Answer 1

1. Protect self from exposure to the elements - locate and/or construct shelter
2. Location & Communication - deploy PLB/ EPIRB/ SART/ CPI, heliograph, reflective devices, laser pointers, torches, SOS techniques etc
3. Water - locate and ration water, utilise water-making equipment
4. Food - locate and ration food

Question 2

What life-raft(s) are stowed on the AW139/AW189 and how are they deployed?

Answer 2

• 2 x RFD life-rafts stowed in forward section of each sponson
• 11 pax capacity
• 17 pax overflow
• Manually deployed by opening velcro patch and pulling handle located in forward section of sponson
• Alternatively, deployed in cockpit by pulling on the handle located on either cockpit door frame

Question 3

How long does it take for the AW139/189 RFD life-rafts to inflate?

Answer 3

Approx 30 seconds

Question 4

What life-raft(s) are stowed on the B412 and how are they deployed?

Answer 4

Winslow Liferaft
7 pax capacity
10 pax overload
Stowed in cabin, secured with restraints on wall or floor

Deployment:

1. Withdraw all red retaining line from underneath velcro tab of life-raft valise
2. Once fully withdrawn, tug/jerk on red retaining line to activate attached quick release ripcord

Question 5

What actions should be taken if the Winslow B412 life-raft erects itself upside down?

Answer 5

Pull on the righting line to turn the life-raft over to its correct orientation