The night vision goggles used in this video are Anvis 9s, manufactured by ITT Night Vision & Imaging. What is especially impressive in this particular example – apart from being able to clearly see terrain in unlighted areas – is the ability to see the fog layer. Without NVGs, a pilot could fly into fog without any indication that fog existed. This would be especially problematic for Visual Flight Rule (VFR) pilots flying into Instrument Meteorological conditions (IMC). With NVGs, the cockpit crew could clearly see the position and extent of the fog layer and determine whether continued flight and landing at a targeted airfield or landing zone was possible.

Only the raw footage from the shoot is presented here. No correction, enhancement, or degradation was applied to the video in post production. Video and editing by Lian Digital Media. Click the image to watch the video.

It is with great pride that I take this opportunity to congratulate Lt. Lorenzo Duenas on his recent appointment to Assistant Sheriff.

I count myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Sgt. Duenas at Henry 1′s hangar ten years ago. Sgt. Duenas was the primary reason we were able to produce the Henry1.com website. Not only was he the unit supervisor at the time, he assumed the role of gatekeeper to ensure that this ‘unknown entity’ would not misrepresent or discredit – then or in the future – the reputation the unit had earned through hard work and a commitment to excellence. He was instrumental in Henry1.com’s creation and, ultimately, its success as a website that grew to inform and entertain an international audience. Through a developed and demonstrated mutual trust, a personal friendship grew, and it is a friendship that I hold, to this day, in the highest regard.

Although his responsibilities changed over the years and his energies were directed elsewhere in the department, he always remained a staunch supporter of the program, the helicopter crews, and of henry1.com. Congratulations, Lorenzo. We wish you the best of luck in your new role as assistant sheriff.

-Editor

For more on Lt. Duenas’ appointment, please visit the Press Democrat :

Sonoma County sheriff’s veteran named to assistant post

In this particular image [click to enlarge] from winter training, we can see the rescuer pointing in the direction he wants the pilot to take him. If you look closely, you can make out someone’s head at the crest of the wave. That’s a lifeguard.

Tough rescuers in their own right and recipients of numerous awards for heroism, the California State Parks lifeguards in Sonoma County occasionally throw themselves into heavy surf so the H1 crew can practice their ‘picks’.

Rescuing someone from a stationary cliff is relatively easy compared to chasing someone around inside an ill-tempered washing machine. One second they’re there and then they’re not.

The pilot has to position the aircraft quickly and continually, but still maintain control of the rescuer at the end of the rope. Awareness of the wave sets and timing are crucial because you don’t want to drop the rescuer into the path of a wave or expose both the rescuer and the victim to the face of a wave on the pull out.

When physical contact is made with the victim, the rescuer has little time to gain control, secure the victim, and signal the pilot to fly clear before 65 lbs/ft³ of liquid scenery crashes on top of them.

On those days, the days even surfers decide that discretion is the better part of valor, you just might find the H1 crew and state park lifeguards honing the skills of their trade.

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