An Cosantóir

www.military www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 11 Joint Airframe Deployment System ( JADS) After the classroom lessons, students moved to the Joint Airframe Deployment System ( JADS), a static training airframe maintained by Number 3 Operations Wing. The JADS allowed practice in a controlled setting before live aircraft operations. On the JADS students carried out harness fitting, attachment to the winch hook, maintaining correct posture during lifts and handling of equipment. Emergency drills were also practiced, including cable fouling and the use of cutting tools to release from the cable if required. Winching techniques Students practiced three primary lifts: Single Lift: Used to insert or extract one individual. The winchman is raised or lowered alone. Double Lift: Two people are lifted together, commonly a winchman escorting a casualty. This technique requires secure attachments for both occupants and careful attention to rotor downwash interactions that can cause instability and a dangerous spin. The winchman must coordinate with the other person to adopt a compact posture and to keep their combined center of gravity stable during ascent and transit. Stretcher Lift: A casualty who cannot move independently is secured to a stretcher and attached to the hoist. A winchman accompanies the stretcher to stabilize it, prevent rotation and provide medical reassurance. Critical points include litter rigging (making sure straps and carabiners are correctly routed and locked), protecting the casualty from rotor downwash and communicating movements to the pilot and winch operator before and during the lift. This technique is slower and more complex, it is practiced repeatedly in calm conditions before being attempted in marginal weather. Each technique introduces its own failure modes: cable twist, stretcher rotation, unexpected swing or equipment snagging. These techniques were practiced repeatedly on the JADS, then progressed to live flying operations on the airfield until each student demonstrated safe handling and confidence. Mountain Training Once airfield proficiency was achieved, the course moved to the Wicklow Mountains. The same single, double, and stretcher lifts were conducted in more demanding conditions, including steep slopes, rocky mountain side grounds and variable weather. Students were required to assess ground conditions, identify suitable winching zones and adapt to hazardous environments. Risk awareness and emergency action Risk is a constant theme in winch training. The course emphasised immediate responses for situations such as cable fouling, sudden aircraft engine issues or a casualty going into distress while suspended. Students practiced cutting free from the cable or being released from the hoist if the aircraft could not remain safe. Rehearsed emergency actions, proper use of cutting tools, and disciplined situational awareness are lifesaving skills for a winchman. Course Completion and Next Phase All four students successfully completed the course. Each demonstrated competency in the required techniques and an understanding of the risks and responsibilities involved. The newly qualified land winchmen will now progress to Maritime Winchman training. This will introduce additional challenges, including operations over ship decks, sea cliffs, and open water. Maritime conditions involve vessel movement, harsh weather and congested decks requiring further skill development and endurance. Summary The Land Winchman Course provided a structured introduction to winching for helicopter aircrew. It progressed from classroom instruction to ground based JADS practice, to live flying at the airfield and finally to mountain operations. By completing the course, Corporals Maher, O'Sullivan, McHugh, and Airman Brien have met the required standard and are prepared for the next stage of training. Classroom Phase The course began with classroom instruction covering the principles of hoist operations and the responsibilities of the winchman. Subjects included aircraft safety, emergency procedures, hand signals, and the physics of operating a winch cable under rotor downwash. Human factors and crew communication were also emphasised, as effective coordination between the winchman and winch operator is critical to safety.

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