The USAF and the SAR mission
The US Air Force (USAF) has long placed a high priority on search and rescue (SAR), and its aircrew deserve the utmost dedication to saving and returning them to their homes. One of the strongest military motto is “So Others May Live,” which is the motto of USAF SAR. In addition to embodying this altruistic mentality, it also demonstrates the service’s desire to provide life-saving SAR for civilian as well as military purposes, as demonstrated by previous events.
SAR is a high priority for the USAF, which is looking for better ways to carry out this role by using cutting-edge aircraft and technology as well as enhanced training for personnel.
A thrilling SAR mission
Tom Farrier, former USAF UH-1H, TH-55, CH-3E, HH-3E and UH-1N pilot, recalls a thrilling SAR mission on Quora;
‘My helicopter experienced a single engine failure while far out to sea during a rescue mission. We turned back toward shore but faced well over an hour’s flight to “feet dry.”
Engine’s temperature steadily climbing
‘During that long, LONG flight the remaining engine’s temperature steadily climbed no matter what we did to play with our airspeed and weight. It was in the “30-minute limit” range for more than an hour and above the “5-minute limit” for 20 minutes.
‘All we could do was monitor it for other signs of distress, which would have required a risky ditching in 38-degree waters. Fortunately, it soldiered on and got us safely to shore, but we were purely improvising. After an overheat inspection, that engine continued flying for almost a year without incident, proving General Electric built ’em tough.
Exceeding published limits in dealing with the emergency
Farrier concludes;
‘Postscript: We were nominated for a safety award, which was turned down at the headquarters level because we had “exceeded published limits” in dealing with the emergency. The alternative, of course, probably would have been death by hypothermia, but what the hey.
‘Proving again that, as the adage goes, “The purpose of a headquarters is to simulate the enemy in peacetime.”’
Photo by TSgt. Richard M. Diaz, USAF
