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We usually split up the crew, one person to attach the aid (a fog signal) to the helicopter. The others take a hike across the jetty to where we set the fog signal down. It usually is not too bad but some of the jetties are about 3/4 of a mile long. Combine that with inclement weather and carrying a top heavy backpack full of tools, it can get a little dicey. Once we get out there it is fairly simple; besides the fact that when the helicopter is over head we can't really communicate with the pilot, his/her crew or each other because helicopters are so loud. We ground the aid with the grounding rod so we don't get zapped. It can get pretty interesting trying to communicate with a flight mechanic with nothing but hand signals. Then we guide the aid down onto the studs. When it is in place we cut and run so they can drop our gear, a ring we use to hook the aid to the belly of the helicopter, after which the helicopter takes off. After that we bolt the fog signal down and hook up the batteries and fog signal. When the wires are hooked up the signal starts blasting; which can get very uncomfortable when you are trying to finish up what you are doing. I am not sure how loud it is but there is a sign on it that says not to be within a certain distance or you could suffer permanent damage, needless to say earplugs are a must. After that we load up all our gear and hike back to the truck. That is how we do it in a nutshell. By Fireman Patrick Brown, Aids to Navigation Coos Bay |
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