bigkavr
Well-known member
Folks, I'm new to your site so please bear with me. This is NOT intended to upset anyone. I'd like to clear up a few misconseptions I've been reading in previous postings about the Coast Guard airboats.
1.
Part of the original posting was correct but only part. Only ONE airboat was involved. What happened was this: While traversing a snow covered trail they got in over their heads (we've all been there, done that, haven't we?) and yes, they hit a post. Not a telephone pole, but a big wooden post for a sign. The operator was thrown into the windshield and sustained a mild concussion. From THIS accident, the only damage done to the airboat was a broken windshield and a small dent in the bow.
This only put the airboat out of service for a day till the windshield was R&R.
2.
Again, this was in error. The same airboat that was involved in the above mentioned incident had (upon inspection by the station's MK1)
also sustained damage to the hull and sides that was NOT related to the "pole mounting" incident. (Bear in mind that this poor airboat had been on loan to another station) All damage was ice and operational
related and this (and only this) airboat was subsquently sent back to the factory for repairs.
3. The third thing I read about was about the Coasties not getting enough stick time during their training.
This one I can answer real easy. The training they received (Airboat Ice Rescue Training) was not designed nor implemented to allow "lots of stick time" Logisticaly, thats impossible!! 3 airboats, 12 people, 5 days. You do the math.. That type of training, they can only get while the instructor is there, but stick time they can do on their own.... What I'm trying to say is, alot and I mean ALOT of stuff was covered (both in class but mostly out on the ice and snow) in a very short amount time. The Coasties were great in absorbing all of it and putting their new knowledge to use and gathering additional stick time in the process. But alas, Ice is 100% unforgiving, and all it takes is one slip to do damage. The variables for ice change by the second and it's a constant learning curve. No matter how good you are, ice will hurt you!!
The Coasties are doing a GREAT with their airboats, and yes, they need more stick time, but don't we all..... Sorry this is so long but I just wanted to throw my nickels worth in. Why? Because I was the instructor
for their airboat ice rescue class and I just wanted to set the record straight. Thanks.
You guys have a great web site too!!!!!
Take care and be safe.
Brian Edwards
Fremont, OH
1.
Part of the original posting was correct but only part. Only ONE airboat was involved. What happened was this: While traversing a snow covered trail they got in over their heads (we've all been there, done that, haven't we?) and yes, they hit a post. Not a telephone pole, but a big wooden post for a sign. The operator was thrown into the windshield and sustained a mild concussion. From THIS accident, the only damage done to the airboat was a broken windshield and a small dent in the bow.
This only put the airboat out of service for a day till the windshield was R&R.
2.
Again, this was in error. The same airboat that was involved in the above mentioned incident had (upon inspection by the station's MK1)
also sustained damage to the hull and sides that was NOT related to the "pole mounting" incident. (Bear in mind that this poor airboat had been on loan to another station) All damage was ice and operational
related and this (and only this) airboat was subsquently sent back to the factory for repairs.
3. The third thing I read about was about the Coasties not getting enough stick time during their training.
This one I can answer real easy. The training they received (Airboat Ice Rescue Training) was not designed nor implemented to allow "lots of stick time" Logisticaly, thats impossible!! 3 airboats, 12 people, 5 days. You do the math.. That type of training, they can only get while the instructor is there, but stick time they can do on their own.... What I'm trying to say is, alot and I mean ALOT of stuff was covered (both in class but mostly out on the ice and snow) in a very short amount time. The Coasties were great in absorbing all of it and putting their new knowledge to use and gathering additional stick time in the process. But alas, Ice is 100% unforgiving, and all it takes is one slip to do damage. The variables for ice change by the second and it's a constant learning curve. No matter how good you are, ice will hurt you!!
The Coasties are doing a GREAT with their airboats, and yes, they need more stick time, but don't we all..... Sorry this is so long but I just wanted to throw my nickels worth in. Why? Because I was the instructor
for their airboat ice rescue class and I just wanted to set the record straight. Thanks.
You guys have a great web site too!!!!!
Take care and be safe.
Brian Edwards
Fremont, OH
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