Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1467328
their knowledge of the platform, they did not have to think about alternative landing zones in different regions. W-3 Sokół, given its size, the gear design, and the relatively high tail boom, is a good fit for the relatively small landing sites, scattered around the Tatra mountains. The aircraft did not undergo any in- depth modifications, before beginning its mountain rescue duty. The searchlight and the optronic sensors were dismantled. During the daytime duty (sunrise to sunset) their use would be limited, while the extra payload for the helicopter is not desirable in the mountains. Specific mountain conditions and ever-changing weather are the main challenges in the TOPR's helicopter operations. The knowledge of the topography of the Tatra mountains makes it possible to predict the wind conditions in the given location. Here's where experience gathered by the Police aviators during the previous years comes into play. Getting synchronized with the rescuers is a must when conducting operations near rock walls, ledges, and landing sites high in the mountains. This makes it possible to shorten the time of deployment or return to the helicopter for the rescue squad, to the bare minimum. As we all know, Sokół is by no means an overpowered helicopter. However, the pilots claim that it is well suited for operations in the Tatra mountains. To boost the performance and expand the envelope, it was flying with only half of the fuel. Any rescue operations in the Zakopane region usually do not require a long loiter time. Throughout six weeks, from early October till mid-November, the Police crews have spent 46 hours 51 minutes in the air, taking off www.fragoutmag.com