4.1 This guide establishes the minimum standard for training a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief with focus on the general knowledge and skills needed to function within a helicopter in support of an inland search and rescue operation. A person trained to this guide is a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.

4.1.1 Every person who is identified as a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall have met the requirements of this guide.

4.1.2 This guide is to be used by individuals and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) that wish to identify the minimum training standards for a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.

4.1.3 This guide is only the first level of training for a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief and as such, only establishes the minimum knowledge and skills required for a person to perform during helicopter operations.

4.1.4 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is only an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief, but it can be used to develop a training document or program.

4.1.5 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with the referenced documents to provide the specific information needed by a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief.

4.1.6 Though this guide establishes the minimum standards, it does not imply that a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief is “in training,” “on probation,” or in any other similar AHJ member status. It is up to the AHJ to determine the requirements and qualifications for member ratings.

4.1.7 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall be trained in the normal operational response areas. Examples include but are not limited to the following regions: mountainous, desert, wilderness and over inland bodies of water.

4.1.8 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not presented in any particular order and do not represent any specific training sequence.

4.1.9 A Helicopter SAR Crew Chief shall meet the minimum SAR requirements for their environments while working as a crewmember with a helicopter and shall be able to interface with ground SAR resources.

4.1.9.1 In order to operate safely around or in a given sub-environment within this area of specialization (Helicopter SAR Crew Chief), the AHJ shall consider the applicability of requiring additional knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to a specific problem, hazard, technical challenge or environment.

4.1.10 Not all aircraft are capable of rappelling, short haul, and/or hoist operations. It is important to know an aircraft’s capabilities as applicable and per AHJ requirements.

1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training standard for a Helicopter Inland Search and Rescue (SAR) Crew Chief (hereafter known as Helicopter SAR Crew Chief) with focus on the general and crew chief specific knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to function as a member of the helicopter crew in support of an inland search and rescue operation.

1.2 This guide is focused on inland, non-oceanic areas of operation, including flood and swiftwater rescue operations.

1.3 This guide is focused on persons functioning as a Helicopter SAR Crew Chief with helicopters only; no fixed-winged operations are included.

1.4 The training discussed in this guide will supplement and enhance the Helicopter SAR Crew Chief’s existing training, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.