08-06-2014, 05:21 PM
The specifics of their mission will certainly come out eventually. I'm pretty sure they weren't joy riding or picnicking.
What I do know for certain is that an engine failure in a helicopter is a one shot deal. One chance to go through all the emergency procedures and also hope for good luck while auto-rotating to the ground. It's difficult even over flat farmland, much less this Island's terrain.
A lot of people think of the County Helicopter as a nuisance; but I've seen them do water drops on fires, evacuate injured surfers and accident victims, and perform other search and rescue ops.
Our Fire department crews provide a vital service; and a situation like this only demonstrates their professionalism and high level of training.
What I do know for certain is that an engine failure in a helicopter is a one shot deal. One chance to go through all the emergency procedures and also hope for good luck while auto-rotating to the ground. It's difficult even over flat farmland, much less this Island's terrain.
A lot of people think of the County Helicopter as a nuisance; but I've seen them do water drops on fires, evacuate injured surfers and accident victims, and perform other search and rescue ops.
Our Fire department crews provide a vital service; and a situation like this only demonstrates their professionalism and high level of training.