Emergency and role equipment of Helicopter

FOR TRAINING PURPOSE ONLY Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

AJD21603 ROTORCRAFT SERVICING, MAINTENANCE & ROLE EQUIPMENT

WEEK 15:

EMERGENCY AND ROLE EQUIPMENT (CONTINUE)

1SABRI OMAR


LESSON OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOMEOBJECTIVE:

1. GAIN KNOWLEDGE ON THE PURPOSE OF EMERGENCY AND ROLE EQUIPMENT FITTED TO HELICOPTER

OUTCOME:

1. DESCRIBE THE PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF EMERGENCY AND ROLE EQUIPMENT FITTED TO HELICOPTER

© Allen Peter Diman 2


IntroductionThis week lesson will touch on the following equipments;

1. Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

2. Search Light

3. Rescue Hoist

4. Cargo Hook

5. Camera System


Emergency Locator Transmitter• An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) is a device that can

be manually or automatically activated to transmit a distress signal to a satellite.

• ELTs that activate automatically use a “G-Switch” (gravity switch) that triggers the ELT when it senses that a crash has occurred.

• With ELTs, Search and Rescue teams may more easily pin-point the exact location of a downed aircraft.


Emergency Locator TransmitterSection 91.207 of the Federal Aviation Regulations states that no person as well as Part 121 operators and operations governed by Part 135 may operate a U.S. registered civil aircraft unless an approved automatic type emergency locator transmitter is attached to the aircraft

In Malaysia, this requirement is stated in MCAR Schedule 4 – Equipment of aircraft


Two FrequenciesTSO C-126 prescribes the minimum performance standard that an ELT operating on 406.0 Megahertz must meet as well as determines the requirement for the aircraft owner to register the digital message programmed into the ELT with Cospas/Sarsat.

TSO C-126 approved ELTs will also transmit on 121.5 MHz frequency, however satellite alerting of the 121.5 MHz distress signal will be discontinued after February 1, 2009


Remember!

ELTs are one of those items in the plane that you hope you'll never have to use. But when you need it your life may be

dependent on it!


Components of ELT

Consists of:

1. Standard Duracell Alkaline Batteries

2. Remote Control Panel, Fixed Antenna

3. Portable Telescopic Antenna, Coax Cable Assembly

4. Wiring Interconnect Assembly, Anodized Mounting Tray

5. ELT main components assembly


Location of ELT control switch


Maintenance of ELTELT are normally checked during the following maintenance activities;

1. Pre-flight inspection – functional check, ensure its serviceability before flight.

2. 12 months inspection – visual inspection of the assembly unit, changed the batteries and functional check. Functional check during the 12 months inspection is normally done by specialized test equipment.


Search lightUsed in enforcement agencies such as Police and Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters.It produces high-intensity (30-40 million candle light power) lights.On most helicopter, search light is designed to be mounted with quick installation and removal capability.It consists of 3 components; light and mounting assembly, power supply unit and control unit.Some type of night sun operates in conjunction with the night vision goggle and Infra-red camera or video.


Typical Night Sun Installation


Typical night sun installation


Maintenance checkMaintenance requirement will be prescribed in the equipment maintenance manual.

In general the following applies;

1. Security check after installation for any loose fittings.

2. Functional check – swiveling of light movement, control unit for proper operation.

3. Functional check on light is not recommended to be done on ground.

4. Extra careful not to ensure draining of the batteries.


Infra-red cameraSimilar to night sun system, infra-red camera is widely used by enforcement agencies: Police & SAR.Also known as Forward Looking Infra Red of FLIR.It senses heat – human & land vehicles.Enable recording on the tape or hard disk which later can be used as evidence.3 parts; infra-red assembly & mountings, power supply & control unit.


Infra-red cameraOperation of infra-red camera may be in conjunction with the night sun. Modern infra-red camera have optionally linked to the NVG.

Maintenance:1. Visual inspection security

for assembly after installation.

2. Functional check IAW equipment manual.

3. Periodic inspection at specified intervals.

4. Overhaul of certain components, example gyroscopic components after number of hours in operation


Helicopter Hoist SystemThe helicopter hoist system can either be hydraulically or electrically powered.The hoist on the left picture can be locked into place or inside the cabin when not in use.The winch unit to which the cable is attached is the main component of the system.Length of the cable and speed varies according to aircraft type.Up and down limit switch will limit the movement of cable when reaching the cable ends.


Hoist operator & hoist maintenanceThe hoist operator inside the cabin will usually wears safety harness known as ‘monkey harness’ which allows his movement inside the cabin.Maintenance of the hoist must be carried out IAW manufacturer maintenance manual.At specific intervals the hoist cable must be greased using specified greased.Pyrotechnic explosive normally have specific life and must be replaced at specific calendar intervals.Functional check of the system is normally carried prior to being used. Inspection on cable reel for any cable misalignment is done during this time.Overhaul of hoist assembly is carried out after numbers of operation.


Hoist controlThe hoist system is normally armed through the hoist ‘control system switch’. This will arm the system.

Operation of the hoist up and down is by means of the crew control handle inside the cabin. Some helicopter have the control switch on cyclic

Means of cutting the cable is provided by cable cutter operated by pyrotechnic or manually by cable cutter


Breeze-Eastern hoist system


Cargo Hook SystemCargo hook is means to carry external loads up to a certain limits.

The limits will be stated in Flight Manual.

The unit usually consists of suspension assembly, cargo hook, cargo hook bumper and rear view mirror.

Cargo hook is usually a single point attachment, suspended from C of G on the main rotor support structure beam.


Cargo hook system

The cargo hook bumper is a rubber ring which attaches to the lower fuselage skin surrounding the opening and protects the fuselage from damage by the swinging hook.Attaching the cargo hook from the C of G prevents or reduces oscillation of the load from being induced into the fuselage.

On some aircraft, cargo hook are installed permanently while others are removable & used on required basis.Removable cargo hook installation have both ‘fixed parts’ and ‘removable parts’.Inspection mirror is for the pilot to visually see the condition of the cargo hook while in used. (Load is release or not) Normally removed when not in used..


Controlling MechanismBefore cargo hook can be used it needs to selected or ‘arm’ through a designated control switch in the cockpit.

The electrical release mechanism is usually located on the pilot cyclic control while the mechanical release either located on the collective or by lever in between the pedals.

Both release mechanism needs to be checked before the intended flight.


Maintenance of cargo hookCargo hook normally have specified life which depends on the number of lifting times.

Periodic check includes visual inspection for conditions at specific intervals and greasing the movable parts.

Functional check for both electrical & mechanical release needs to be performed after the installation.

Before attaching the cargo to a cargo hook while the aircraft is hovering, the aircraft needs to be electrically discharged of any of its static electricity.

Engineering

Emergency and role equipment of Helicopter