Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1467328
In Mid-November the silver W-3 was replaced by a solid green one, wearing the white- red checkerboard, while the Policemen stepped back allowing the military crews to come in. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces deployed the Aeronautical SAR Team no. 8 (LZPR-8) from the 33rd Airlift Base in Powidz, along with the W3- WA SAR helicopter. The ASAR Team 8 was activated as an ad hoc measure from the ASAR Group, which is continuously a part of the ASAR service subordinated to ARCC: LZPR1 – 1. GPR Świdwin [SAR Group Świdwin], LZPR2 – 2. GPR Mińsk Mazowiecki, LZPR3 – 3. GPR Kraków, LZPR4 – 1. Dlot [Air Squadron] Leźnica Wielka, LZPR5 – 43. BLotM [Naval Aviation Base] Babie Doły, LZPR6 – 44. BLotM Darłowo, LZP7 – 44. BlotM Cewice; furthermore, to transport the COVID patients, an ad hoc LZPR9 unit was activated, detached from the Air MEDEVAC unit. Before the aircrews took over the duty, they engaged in a two-weeks long training integration with the TOPR rescue teams. Similarly, as in the case of the Police, this has not been the first time for these crews to operate in the Tatra Mountains. However, the airspace over mountains is usually closed for training sorties. Hence the necessity to carry out familiarization flights and interoperability training. The helicopter from 33rd AB was not stationed at the TOPR helipad adjacent to the hospital in Zakopane. Instead, the helicopter was deployed to a Military Training-Fitness Center on Gronik. If a need emerged, the helicopter was landing in the vicinity of the hospital, to transfer the wounded, or pick up the rescue team. Similarly, as in the case of the Police helicopter, the searchlight and the optoelectronic sensor were removed - as they are not necessary during daytime duty. The quantity of fuel carried was also reduced. Hovering and maneuvering high in the mountains is specific in nature. However, the ASAR teams have already gathered some Tatra experience during their rotations in 2020 and 2021. Hence, this was not a learning period for them. The LZPR-8 duty happened at the beginning of the winter - with snowfall and freezing temperatures. In these conditions, W-3 was doing very well. Furthermore, when the landing zones were covered in snow, the relatively insignificant rotor wash generated by W-3 has been a major advantage. Two helicopters - 0620 and 0702 - were deployed to Zakopane. The former one remained on duty from November 13th until November 24th, while the other from November 25th until December 21st. Throughout that period, the military crews have logged 27 flight hours throughout 7 SAR sorties, 13 training sorties, and 2 maintenance sorties. One should also recall www.fragoutmag.com