Helicopter Flight Rescue System

The Helicopter Flight Rescue System (HFRS), also known as the Helicopter External Transport System (HETS), is a helicopter insertion and extraction tool which as under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) is authorized for use in Forest Fire Fighting, Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue. The system is often referred to a "Long Line", "Short Haul" and other terms, and is similar to other helicopter long line systems in use throughout the world.

Under CARs, HFRS falls under Class D operations, which is that it involves a jettisonable human external load suspended beneath the landing gear of the helicopter. By regulation, air carriers, operations personnel, and essential aircrew are required to be extensively trained. There must also be a memorandum of understanding between the tasking agency and the air operator in order to ensure a good working relationship. In British Columbia, the Provincial Emergency Program allows volunteer search and rescue societies to perform HFRS to conduct various rescue missions. Given the benefits of extending a rescuer below the aircraft, thus allowing the aircraft to remain clear of obstacles while a rescue/insertion/extraction is performed, it is evident that this is an essential life saving tool. This system is commonly referred to as longline rescue and involves a rescuer being attached to the bottom of a longline and being slung to a rescue site. This allows the pilot to insert the rescuer into most types of terrain (angle, obstacles, and hazards permitting).

HFRS refers to the particular set of equipment sold as an integrated package or kit, suitable for use on a range of helicopter models and configurations. The system is modular and various components can be attached or detached as the need arises. Examples of modular components include a rescue basket, an "Aerial Rescue Platform" (commonly known as a Bouwman Bag, and various rescuer harnesses. The line length can be adjusted for various conditions such as tree canopy.

As of 2015^[update], a similar technique is used by linemen when constructing or maintaining power lines.

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