On Sunday 31st August 2005 the team travelled to HMS Gannet Royal Navy Base at Prestwick Airport for the annual helicopter familiarisation training exercise. The exercise is primarily aimed at trainee members, however an enthusiastic group numbering 15, which included some old stalwarts ventured north for what was a worthwhile and enjoyable exercise.

Rescue 177, the aircraft callsign for the fleet of Sea King helicopters based at HMS Gannet, was on hand to provide hands on training to the team personnel. Rescue 177 is one of many air assets co-ordinated by the Aircraft Rescue Co-ordinating Centre (ARCC) at RAF Kinloss. The aircraft primarily operates along the west coast of Scotland and northern England but may be called upon to assist with rescue operations anywhere in the UK. Recent large scale operations include the devastating floods in Carlisle in Cumbria and Boscastle in Cornwall.

The team greatly appreciate the opportunity to train with the flight crew of Rescue 177 and to be afforded the chance to exercise the boarding and deboarding procedures. Such training is essential to maintain safety whilst operating in the live rescue scenario. Rescue 177 was recently involved in our Joint Exercise with Moffat MRT in April this year; thus demonstrating their commitment to mountain rescue training and ongoing support.

Recent changes in boarding procedures and other safety issues formed the main thrust of the training. The air crew are always enthusiastic about the functions of the aircraft, boarding either on foot or by winch and of course deboarding by similar methods. Safety is the overarching important element of all operations involving helicopters and the team understanding of all procedures is of paramount importance.

The team were reminded of all winching procedures; this element being of particular importance to the gathering of enthusiastic team trainees. Then before they knew, it each of them were being winched the 20 or 30 feet from the ground into the aircraft. Once a full group were safely strapped on board they were treated to a brief flight around Prestwick Airport before the inevitable reverse procedure.

The standard debrief, following the exercise, allowed everyone the chance to ask the inevitable questions. Unless you've actually flown in a military helicopter it's difficult to appreciate the constant noise. That factor, along with the need to exercise procedures, means there are no opportunities to ask questions during the exercise. The debrief is the only time any clarification can be provided - it also allows time for your hearing to resume normal service!

The committee, team members and trainee members of Galloway MRT greatly appreciate the time afforded to the team during this essential training exercise.

When we call upon their assistance on some remote, far flung hillside in the middle of the night, everyone will know exactly what is expected of them.