54 HS improves rescue efforts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danny Monahan
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 54th Helicopter Squadron recently improved its search and rescue capabilities by outfitting two UH-1N helicopters with new rescue hoists.

"The reason for installing rescue hoists is to have the capability to insert and especially extract people in areas and terrain where a helicopter can't land, including water," said Senior Airman Kyle Konkolics, 54th HS flight engineer.

As of Aug. 29, the 54 HS only had one pilot and one flight engineer currently qualified to operate the hoist.

"We have to do training flights to get the other flight engineers and pilots qualified to operate and fly with a rescue hoist," said Airman Konkolics, a certified rescue hoist operator. "Once everyone is trained, the hoists will be ready for every day operational use."

The crews must become proficient using the new equipment by performing live hoists.

"A live hoist ride means we will actually have a live person being hoisted into the helicopter," said Airman Konkolics.

During a live test Aug. 29, Airman 1st Class Tim Merlin, 54 HS flight engineer, acted as the hoist rider.

"It's pretty nerve racking at first," said Airman Merlin referring to being suspended in air during a live hoist. "But you have to realize this is a superb piece of equipment. We wouldn't be using it if it wasn't. It can hold a lot more weight than it is intended for. It is completely safe."

The 54 HS is confident its new equipment can only benefit their operational needs.

"You never know when you will need a piece of equipment like this," said Capt. Jason Hock, 54 HS pilot. "This new hoist greatly improves our search and rescue effectiveness. Hopefully it never happens, but there could be that day we are called upon to go out and save a life and the 54 HS will be ready to do just that." 

Although the 54 HS supports search and rescue efforts, its primary mission is to support the 91st Space Wing responding as necessary to make sure missile complexes scattered through North Dakota are safe and secure.