Our Training Begins


I join an AMS rescue training session on Table Mountain, Cape Town to gain first-hand experience about how the AMS operates. The ELO is Earl Bell, who rotates between fixed-wing duties and helicopter shifts, with the helicopter supporting the more dynamic environment. His history includes surf lifeguard duties for Lifesaving South Africa. His strong, calm sense of duty and community filters across the AMS operation.


From my various interactions with AMS pilots, engineers and ELOs over the


years, I’ve observed that they all seem to have a balanced and calm personality with measured reactions. This proves extremely useful for high-stress rescue environments. Our training focuses on interagency rescue efforts between AMS and WSAR.


The AMS helicopter flies out of its Cape Town International Airport base to meet the ground teams at a landing zone (LZ) on Table Mountain. The LZ is secured so no cyclists, runners or cars are allowed nearby; radio contact is made with the pilot. The weather is sunny and calm, but the wind is gusting higher on the mountain.


The AgustaWestland AW119 Koala completes a short observation circle of the LZ and comes in to land. The downdraft of the AW119 is substantial, and any unsecured items near the LZ can be blown away or turned into a potential hazard for the helicopter. With the ground support in position at the LZ, the ELO leans out of the helicopter with one foot on the skids, as he’s super vigilant about hazards on the ground and tail rotor clearance from trees, cars and other obstructions.


With the landing complete, operations always start with a briefing. I find these briefings (and debriefings) incredibly useful


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Nov/Dec 2022


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