6. Field Transport - Aircraft Operations

Our event was supported by both American and New Zealand helicopters. We had 5 double shuttles in total, 2 by K03 and 3 by the Americans as well as other contact, such as resupply and taking rocks out of the field. We were most impressed by both crews, finding them friendly and professional in their approach. Baring one move the helicopters shut down initially to organise gear which was useful as it gave us a chance to describe where we wanted to be placed and other such details. The crews were helpful in choosing a suitable site on the ground, giving us plenty of time (considering we were only seeing it for the first time) and consequently we had excellent camp sites. When working with the American helicopters we had sling loads. No training had been given to us in New Zealand about to how to load a sling load etc. This was not a problem once the pilot had explained what he wanted but it would be a useful part of the pre-season training. A little more communication from Scott Base as to when the helicopter is arriving, should the schedule be changed, would be useful instead of us needing to contact Scott Base. This caught us out on one occasion when the weather was bad at Scott Base and we were not aware (packed up camp), only to be told later after 'calling Scott Base. Overall we were very happy with our helicopter operations.