The White Falcon - 29.05.1970, Síða 8

Page 8 THE WHITE FALCON May 29, 1970
A Navy search and rescue helicopter makes Its way through a thick fog during survival exercises with 57th
FIS pilots, whose heads are visible at lower right.
Air Force pilots take chilly swim for survival training
Story and photos by Sgt. Mike Sawyer
Who would believe taking a swim in the
ocean at this time of year?
Last week 14 pilots of the 57th Fight-
er Interceptor Sguadron took their reguired
local terrain survival training. This could
be survival in almost any climatic condi-
tion, but in Iceland, it is a dip in the
ocean.
Training is accomplished under ideal
conditions with personal equipment
specialists standing by to offer assis-
tance if necessary. Even though these
tests are made under the most desirable
conditions, it is no indication that they
are easy.
Four of the pilots and their one-man
rafts were loaded on the Army LARC, an
amphibious personnel carrier, for a short
ride and then a chilly swim. When the
craft was far enough from land each pilot
grabbed his raft and jumped overboard.
Once in the water, they were to board
the raft and wait fora helicopter to circle.
Smoke flares were used to signal the
chopper and the men then got back in the
water to prepare for the pick-up. The
chopper lowered a basket and the pilots
were hauled up and away.
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9
By accomplishing these tests, periodic-
ally, pilots gain skill and practice so
if the need should arise, they are pri
ed. By knowing they can do them in
ditions close to what they might
perience also helps their confidence.
In addition to their local terrain train-
ing, they must also attend frequent class-
es on the contents of the survival kit,
emergency egress and be familiar with all
their flying equipment.
With an inflated life raft,
an Air Force pilot plunges
seaward to begin his test of
survival.
Once submerged, the drenched pilot quickly
boards his life raft to await the arrival of
the rescue helicopter.