Improved winch training for Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust crews

The Hume family, Currie Construction team and Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Helicopter Rescue crew celebrated the new training winch. Photo / Supplied

A new on-site training winch at the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust base has been created.

It means more effective training for the region’s rescue chopper crews.

The training set-up was made possible through community generosity and teamwork.

Built using the shell of a real helicopter, the 300kg training winch allows crews to practise complex winch rescues, reducing the need for costly airborne training while increasing the frequency and realism of practice sessions.

Winch training in action using the new equipment at the chopper base at Gisborne Airport. Photo / Supplied

Eastland rescue pilot and base manager Shaun Stewart said winch rescues were less common than rescues where the helicopter can land, making regular team training essential.

“The use of an actual helicopter shell, complete with sliding doors and realistic dimensions, significantly enhances the training experience,” Stewart said.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

Stewart said it made training far more realistic and better prepared crews for real-life rescue situations.

Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust chairman Ian Parker acknowledged the key role played by the Hume family and Currie Construction in turning the idea into reality.

“The ongoing support of the Hume family, combined with the technical expertise and generosity of Currie Construction, made this project possible,” Parker said.

“Once again, we are humbled by the support of the Tairāwhiti community that we rely on to help us save time and save lives.”