ASTM F3026-14(2019)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3026 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Guide for
Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue (SAR) Crew Chief
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3026; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1633 Guide for Techniques in Land Search (Withdrawn
2017)
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training standard
F1739 Guide for Performance of a Water Rescuer—Level I
for a Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue (SAR) Crew Chief
F1846 Practice for Symbols and Markings for Use With
(hereafter known as Helicopter SAR Crew Chief) with focus
Land Search Maps
on the general and crew chief specific knowledge, skills, and
F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
abilities needed to function as a member of the helicopter crew
in support of an inland search and rescue operation.
3. Terminology
1.2 This guide is focused on inland, non-oceanic areas of
3.1 Acronyms:
operation, including flood and swiftwater rescue operations.
3.1.1 AGL—Above Ground Level
1.3 This guide is focused on persons functioning as a
3.1.2 AHJ—Authority Having Jurisdiction
Helicopter SAR Crew Chief with helicopters only; no fixed-
3.1.3 ANVIS—Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System
winged operations are included.
3.1.4 ASTM—American Society for Testing and Materials
1.4 The training discussed in this guide will supplement and
3.1.5 CRM—Crew Resource Management
enhance the Helicopter SAR Crew Chief’s existing training,
knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3.1.6 FLIR—Forward Looking Infra-Red
3.1.7 HEC—Human External Cargo
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.8 HEED—Helicopter Emergency Egress Device
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.9 HELP—Heat Escape Lessening Posture
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.10 HS—HeliSpot
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.11 HUET—Helicopter Underwater Egress
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.12 LZ—Landing Zone
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.13 PCDS—Personnel Carrying Device System
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.14 PFD—Personal Flotation Device
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.15 PPE—Personal Protective Equipment
3.1.16 SAR—Search and Rescue
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 altitude, n—the height expressed in units of distance
F1591 Practice for Visual Signals Between Persons on the
aboveareferenceplane,usuallyabovemeansealevelorabove
Ground and in Aircraft During Ground Emergencies
ground level.
3.2.2 authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), n—an
organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
requirements of a code or standard, or for approving
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel,
equipment, materials, and installation or procedure.
Training and Education.
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F3026 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/F3026-14R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3026 − 14 (2019)
3.2.3 crewmember, n—an individual assigned a duty during 3.2.16 rescue basket, also litter or stretcher, n—a secured
flight other than the pilot, engineer, and flight navigator. and protected conveyance for the sick or injured that is capable
of lifting individuals from the ground in a safe and secure
3.2.4 crew resource management (CRM), n—a method for
manner.
addressing the challenge of optimizing the human/machine
interface and accompanying interpersonal activities to include 3.2.17 rescue hoist, n—a mechanical winching device
activities which may include team building, information mounted to the helicopter that is capable of lowering/raising
sharing, problem solving, decision making, and maintaining personnel attached to a cable.
situational awareness. CRM is the use of all available
3.2.18 rescue strop, n—an item of equipment that is fitted
resources, information, equipment, and people to achieve safe
around the patient, under the arms and across the back and
and efficient flight operations.
secured in front of the chest to secure the patient to a rescue
3.2.5 emergency, n—(a) life-threatening—a situation or oc- line or helicopter hoist cable.
currence of a serious nature, developing suddenly and unex-
3.2.19 short haul, n—to transport one or more persons
pectedly and demanding immediate action to prevent loss of
suspended on a fixed line beneath a helicopter. The intent is to
life. (b) operational—an unforeseen combination of circum-
transportpersonsashortdistance(short-haul),normallyfroma
stancesthatcallsforimmediateaction,butnotlife-threatening.
limited or inaccessible location to a safe landing area.
3.2.6 external load, n—a load that is carried, or extends,
3.2.20 trail line/tag line, n—cord or line manipulated from
outside of the aircraft fuselage.
the ground used to control and guide rescue equipment to the
3.2.7 external-load attaching means, n—the structural com- helicopter during hoisting operations.
ponents used to attach an external load to an aircraft, including
4. Significance and Use
external-loadcontainers,thebackupstructureattheattachment
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum standard for train-
points, and any quick-release device used to jettison the
ing a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief with focus on the general
external load.
knowledge and skills needed to function within a helicopter in
3.2.8 flightcrew member, n—a pilot, flight engineer, or flight
6 support of an inland search and rescue operation. A person
navigator assigned to duty in an aircraft during flight time.
trained to this guide is a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.
3.2.9 ground visibility, n—prevailing horizontal visibility
4.1.1 Every person who is identified as a Helicopter SAR
near the earth’s surface as reported by the United States
Crew Chief shall have met the requirements of this guide.
National Weather Service or an accredited observer.
4.1.2 This guide is to be used by individuals and authorities
3.2.10 helicopter, n—a rotorcraft that, for its horizontal
having jurisdiction (AHJ) that wish to identify the minimum
motion, depends principally on its engine-driven rotors.
training standards for a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.
4.1.3 This guide is only the first level of training for a
3.2.11 helicopter SAR crew chief, n—an individual respon-
Helicopter SAR Crew Chief and as such, only establishes the
sible for all operations and equipment starting from behind the
minimum knowledge and skills required for a person to
flight deck within the helicopter and under the supervision of
perform during helicopter operations.
the pilot or co-pilot.
4.1.4 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is
3.2.12 helicopter SAR technician, n—a member of the flight
only an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating
crew that conducts tasks as planned and assigned by the
a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief, but it can be used to develop a
Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.
training document or program.
3.2.13 HELP position, n—heat escape lessening posture is a
4.1.5 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
single person water rescue technique for heat conservation
the referenced documents to provide the specific information
when immersed in cold water. This technique conserves heat
needed by a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.
by using personal flotation devices, clothing, and body posture
4.1.6 Though this guide establishes the minimum standards,
tolimitexposureofthebody’smajorheatlossareastothecold
it does not imply that a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief is “in
water.
training,” “on probation,” or in any other similarAHJ member
3.2.14 marshal, helicopter, n—a person on the ground
status. It is up to the AHJ to determine the requirements and
responsible for communicating with and guiding the helicopter
qualifications for member ratings.
to a landing zone or HeliSpot.
4.1.7 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall be trained in the
normal operational response areas. Examples include but are
3.2.15 personal flotation device (PFD), n—abuoyantdevice
not limited to the following regions: mountainous, desert,
suitable for use by one person in water emergencies. These
wilderness and over inland bodies of water.
devicesmaybevests,ringbuoys,lifepreservers,cushions,and
4.1.8 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the
other special purpose buoyant devices.
followingsectionsarenotpresentedinanyparticularorderand
do not represent any specific training sequence.
Aviation Training Glossary, https://www.iat.gov/Training/pages/online.asp;
4.1.9 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall meet the mini-
14CFR1.1: FAA Definitions.
mum SAR requirements for their environments while working
Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov; Section II.8.5 Crew
Resource Management.
6 7
FederalAviationAdministration, DOT, 14CFR1.1 – Definitions andAbbrevia- Emergency Helicopter Extraction Source List – 2012, http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/
tions. aviation/av_library/Revision%205-EHE%20Source%20List%20(01-12).pdf.
F3026 − 14 (2019)
as a crewmember with a helicopter and shall be able to 5.4.6 Personal equipment (survival). See X1.8 for a list of
interface with ground SAR resources. suggested survival equipment for individuals.
4.1.9.1 In order to operate safely around or in a given 5.4.7 Clothing appropriate for anticipated weather condi-
sub-environment within this area of specialization (Helicopter tions.
SAR Crew Chief), the AHJ shall consider the applicability of
5.5 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall demonstrate the
requiring additional knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to
abilitytocoordinateamissionwiththeflightcrewbasedonthe
aspecificproblem,hazard,technicalchallengeorenvironment.
specific incident and the related needs, including:
4.1.10 Not all aircraft are capable of rappelling, short haul,
5.5.1 Participate in developing a plan for accomplishing the
and/or hoist operations. It is important to know an aircraft’s
mission in the most efficient and safe manner.
capabilities as applicable and per AHJ requirements.
5.5.2 Configure aircraft to mission needs.
5.5.3 Secure and brief passengers.
5. General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
5.5.4 Provide a mission briefing.
5.1 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall be able to explain: 5.5.5 Identify and mitigate flight and mission hazards.
5.5.6 Explain fuel consumption as it relates to aircraft
5.1.1 The organization’s operational structure.
5.1.2 The overview and philosophy of a helicopter SAR endurance and limits for safe landing.
5.5.7 Develop and implement in flight emergency
mission.
5.1.3 The general tactics related to aerial search and rescue procedures, as necessary.
operations.
5.6 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall prepare cargo load
5.1.4 Theenvironmentalknowledgecommensuratewiththe
and explain and/or demonstrate:
operating area.
5.6.1 Emergency procedures.
5.1.5 The regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines
5.6.2 Special mission requirements.
relevant to Helicopter Crew Chief training.
5.6.3 Performance of aircraft load calculations.
5.6.4 Center of gravity (cg) limitations.
5.2 TheHelicopterSARCrewChiefshallhavetheabilityto
deploy and retrieve the Helicopter SARTechnician by helicop- 5.6.5 Gross weight limitations.
5.6.6 Hazardous material considerations.
ter based on type of aircraft used, equipment and agency
policies, procedures, and guidelines.These tactics may include
5.7 TheHelicopterSARCrewChiefshallbeabletoexplain
external load operations.
and demonstrate external load operational tactics and equip-
5.2.1 Demonstrates proper use of hand signals (see X1.7 for
ment (if so equipped), including:
example).
5.7.1 Use of aircraft anchor points.
5.2.2 Demonstrates appropriate movements in aircraft cabin
5.7.2 Setup and management of rappel lines.
while in flight.
5.7.3 Importance of having connectors that are compatible
5.3 AHelicopter SAR Crew Chief shall explain the purpose with one another and with aircraft fixtures.
of and demonstrate the function of the following rescue 5.7.4 Uses of a rescue hoist.
equipment: 5.7.5 Appropriate maintenance procedures and safety
5.3.1 Helicopter SAR Crew Chief Harness (personnel car- checks for rescue hoist, hoist cable, and hoist hook.
rying device system (PCDS)). 5.7.6 Ability to communicate with the pilot during external
5.3.2 Subject rescue adjuncts (subject harnesses, strops,
load operations.
litters, baskets). 5.7.7 Emergency procedures during external load opera-
5.3.3 Tether straps (travel restraint). tions.
5.3.4 Carabiners, snap hooks, and other applicable hard- 5.7.8 Ability to facilitate passenger (non crewmember)
ware. management inside the aircraft cabin during external load
5.3.5 Operation of doors, seat belts, and hatches. operations as well as during other types of retrieval.
5.3.6 Direct and/or assist the Helicopter SAR Technician 5.7.9 Trail line/tag line procedures.
with inspection of all applicable search and rescue helicopter 5.7.10 How various environmental factors can influence
equipment. external load operations (examples: wind direction and speed,
5.3.7 Explaintheuseofvisionenhancingequipmentinclud- altitude, and air temperature).
ing but not limited to Electro Optical, Forward Looking
5.8 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall be able to explain
Infra-Red (FLIR) and Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System
the general concepts related to risk assessment and manage-
(ANVIS).
ment of a helicopter operation, including:
5.4 The Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall explain the need 5.8.1 The general concepts of CRM.
for and demonstrate the inspection and use of PPE for flight
5.8.2 The general concepts of flight physiology.
operations to include at a minimum: 5.8.3 The general concepts of aerospace physiology, includ-
5.4.1 Fire resistant clothing (flight suit).
ing physiological effects on the human body and the normal
5.4.2 Fire resistant gloves. area of operations.
5.4.3 Fire resistant boots. 5.8.4 The general concepts related to high altitude oper
...