Crane used in helicopter escape training

An overhead crane that
enables trainees to simulate
the stress of a helicopter
ditching into the sea is in
operation at Blackpool
College’s Fleetwood Nautical
Campus (FNC). The four
tonne SWL crane was
installed by Street Crane
Company.

FNC is a dedicated facility
with a specially constructed
pool where one metre waves,
darkness and rain can be
simulated. The crane spans
the pool and side apron. Up
to four trainees, with an
instructor, strap themselves in
before the pod is hoisted and
moved out to the centre of the
pool. From this position the
HUET can be lowered onto
the water, immersed in the
water or immersed and rolled
over. Trainees then have to
unstrap themselves, put on
respirators and make a safe
exit.

“This is one of the most
unusual applications that we
have had for our cranes,”
Street Crane MD Andrew
Pimblett says. “In engineering
terms it is a relatively
straightforward fixed position
goal post crane with only
lateral and horizontal
movement. A single beam,
supported on A frames, has
an underslung hoist to hold
the HUET. The unusual item
is a dual coil spring that
moderates the fall and allows
the module to be suspended
over the water before release
one metre above the water.”