Search
And Rescue Supply Dropping - 1981 | |
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The F-27 was favoured because of its relatively long range and high transit speed, comprehensive navigation and communication equipment for the day, and its ability to operate with the rear door open in flight. Fokkers were also to be found throughout much of Australia every day. In order to keep both aircrews (supplied by the airlines) and SAR crews (supplied by the Department) up to scratch, regular training excercises were carried out. The photo above shows TAA F-27-6152 Friendship VH-TQO (c/n 10386) at Mangalore, Vic, in 1981 on one such exercise. The photo below shows the interior of the aircraft, looking aft, with the rear rows of seats removed and the SAR stores stowed. One of the dropmasters is adjusting his safety harness before the sortie. One the aircraft was airborne and nearing the search area (or drop zone), the stores would be positioned in the rear doorway.
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