RESCUE SEAT

The rescue seat is a buoyant aluminum device consisting of a hollow flotation chamber and a three-pronged seat, with prongs 120 degrees apart (fig. 5-15). Lead is inserted in the base of the

Figure 5-15.-Helicopter rescue seat.

assembly to minimize roll and to provide the proper degree of submergence of the seat in the water. A safety strap is provided to assist the survivor to remain in the seat during hoisting to the helicopter. The flotation chamber and hoist bracket of the seat are bright orange. The lower seat assembly is yellow for high visibility.

The helicopter rescue seat is intended for use in retrieving survivors and assisting the rescue swimmer in performing rescue operations when it is difficult to make a helicopter landing over land or water.

When conducting a rescue, the helicopter rescue seat is lowered on a hoist cable from a helicopter to the rescue swimmer and survivor. The rescue seat is designed to accommodate one person at a time.

Maintenance

The aircrewman's responsibility for maintenance of the rescue seat is limited to freshwater wash after usage. Repairs or other maintenance actions required are performed by organizational-level maintenance or above.

Inspection

All rescue seats are given a calendar inspection upon issue and at intervals of 225 days. The calendar inspection is a visual inspection. To visually inspect the condition of the rescue seat, proceed as follows:

1. Inspect all components for security of attachment, corrosion, damage, wear, discoloration, and ease of operation.

2. Check for sharp edges or projections.

3. Check material for imperfections or damage.

4. Check safety strap for fraying or tears.

5. Compare markings on seat to markings listed in applicable table in NAVAIR 13-1-6.5.

If the markings are faded, restore them with black washproof ink. If marking is incorrect, paint it out and enter the correct marking as close to the proper location as possible, using black washproof ink.

Cleaning

The rescue seat must be cleaned after every immersion in salt water. Clean it as follows:

1. Wash the rescue seat with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse well with fresh water.

2. Dry the rescue seat with a clean, dry, lintfree cloth.

3. Return the seat to service.