Tips-n-tricks

[kjw57]

There is a broad range of experience aggregated here on the Vertical Forums.

 

It would be great if we could share some of that experience. Things we have all

 

learned from others, or developed all on our own as Tips & Tricks the little things

 

that make our work easier and safer.

 

Industry experience of the people who use this forum on a scale of 1-10, well,

 

ranges from 1-10.

 

So don't be shy with those Tips & Tricks.

 

Any SAFE suggestions, even ones you may think are obvious, will certainly

 

be of benefit to somone....even the Old Dogs.

 

So let's hear from you!

 

To get things started:

 

When putting a Bambi Bucket back in the back or bag, tape the lines so they don't

 

become crossed.

 

Pretty obvious tip for most, but the ball is now in play...or not

 

we'll see.

[Fenestron]

always feed and water your engineer. A dry and hungry engineer always becomes cranky part way through day, and likley will not smile and greet you with the love you deserve when you come back to base with twisted up bambi bucket cables.

 

related topic: if you f*ck up, have a six pack of coors in your hand when you tell him about it. Big f*ck-ups require bigger cases of beer. And F*ck-ups that require a code of silence automatically double the beer requirement.

[Mustache Gear]

When ever you shut down or just land for fuel after a longline job that has been completed, or if you don't have any more longlining to do. Disconnect your longline AS SOON AS YOU GET OUT OF THE A/C! And before you translate into froward flight upon T/O after disconnecting your line check your mirrors and say out loud "Check, my longline is disconnected."

 

This is good advice for any type of external load work or on a walk aroud "check, my short line is disconnected" or "my fuel cap is on" or "my engineer is back in the baggage compartment where he belongs"

 

cheers

 

MG

[Elvis]

Gotta agree with Fenestron on this one, but make it Coors Lite....on a diet

[Guest sharky]

If you suspect icing, monitor the outside of your OAT guage. It will build up there, and it's easy to monitor from your seat.

 

Of course you'll leave the area, but it's a good indicator that you've left the area for certain.....and how bad you got it.

[Fish]

When putting a Bambi Bucket back in the back or bag, tape the lines so they don't

 

become crossed.

Use masking tape when doing this, it is easier to rip than electrical or duct tape so you don't have to pull the tape off next time you use your bucket. The weight of the water in the bucket will tear the masking tape easily and your wires will spread nicely and stay tangle free. Only use one or two wraps at the most.

[arctic_front]

always feed and water your engineer. A dry and hungry engineer always becomes cranky part way through day, and likley will not smile and greet you with the love you deserve when you come back to base with twisted up bambi bucket cables.

 

related topic: if you f*ck up, have a six pack of coors in your hand when you tell him about it. Big f*ck-ups require bigger cases of beer. And F*ck-ups that require a code of silence automatically double the beer requirement.

 

 

nothing more true, Fen.......but here is another formula for all you pilot-types..

 

When the pilot of a medium rips open the 'udder' or dump-valve of a bambi bucket, no amount of beer is ever enough. The pilot of said aircraft is in deep Ca-Ca no matter if he owns a brewery. The only way to redeem himself is to offer, no, BEG to help fix said dump-valve and then buy beer in mass quantities for remainder of tour. Failure to help repair dump-valve casts said pilot into a life of never-ending hatred by engineer...There is no possible way to not be hated by the engineer,......EVER

 

That said, Chit happens and dump-valves require replacement....but the first time a pilot has to help repair the valve, will be the VERY LAST time he ever rips one.... This is a know law of the universe....and shall be hence-forth the law of the engineer

 

The sort version: If you value your life, limbs and respect of your engineer....never, ever, wreck a dump-valve.... and Grant S, if you are reading this....I have a very long memory!! Two in a week and 4 buckets in one tour is beyond the pale

[transientorque2]

Use masking tape when doing this, it is easier to rip than electrical or duct tape so you don't have to pull the tape off next time you use your bucket. The weight of the water in the bucket will tear the masking tape easily and your wires will spread nicely and stay tangle free. Only use one or two wraps at the most.

 

 

Flagging tape is the best in the west. :up:

 

Its always ready avalable on fires. Not too many hardware stores close by to get masking tape, plus masking tape is stiky too.

[Skids Up]

Always shut your door and tell your passengers to do the same, when you get out to grab something you/they forgot, no matter how quick you/they think you/they will be...

 

Someday it will save a lot of explaining and excuses!!

[helicopper]

our air ambulance folks utilize our pad on a regular basis... therefore our a/c is constantly tied down while outside...

 

my "alzheimer's" walkaround ALWAYS includes a manual blade spin prior to lightin' the fires...