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McDermott Aviation to introduce Bell 214ST simulator from Entrol for aerial firefighting training (www.airmedandrescue.com)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by to c/australia@aussie.zone
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Possibly one of the coolest helicopters ever, the Bell 214ST is basically a Huey on steroids and it was originally slated to be produced in Iran back in the 70s, but that obviously didn't go through.

Until recently the Bell 214ST was a footnote, a flying relic... but then McDermot acquired the rights to build 214ST helicopters for primarily the purpose of firefighting in Australia.

I am not sure much of the world has noticed, but the idea of 214STs becoming the iconic wildfire fighting helicopter of Australia is pretty damn cool in my opinion!

Keep your eyes peeled for these in the sky!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_214ST

edit this was also the model of helicopter in the news for the midair collision in Greece, which is tragic and underscores how important training simulators are for dangerous work like this.

Footage of 214STs doing aerial firefighting in conjunction with S-64 heavy lift helicopters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsE0-Pgs8M8&t=43

https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?v=BsE0-Pgs8M8

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[–] 1 point 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 child)

Can't the pilots just practice in public toilets?

  • avoid any hazards on the ground
  • hover and do not make contact
  • otherwise, dust off before you attempt a landing
  • try to keep the aim straight when you dump your load
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  • [–] 2 points 2 months ago*

    A few years ago we passed through Wattamolla Beach on the way to Bundeena on the coast track. There had been some redevelopment of the facilities and park areas.

    New squat toilets had been installed in the public toilet blocks. I needed to use the loo and could not resist having a go.

    Despite having pooped in the bush by squatting many times while hiking or camping, for some reason using the squat toilet wasn't as easy as I thought and I almost feel backwards into a substantial amount of my own poop.

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