Not only W-3, but besides AW101 and Black Hawk. The simulator allowing airmen to practice evacuation from the sunk chopper was adapted to the fresh types of machines that the Polish army buys. The first crews utilized the upgraded device. Self-saving courses at sea for pilots are organized by the Training Centre for WP divers and fins.
METS, or Modular Immersion Simulator, was installed on the shore of a deep pool of 10 meters. During the training, the compartment is lowered to the bottom and turned upside down. Its interior is filled with water. Inside the pilots must break out of the belt, force the door and sail to the surface. Sounds simple, but it's just appearances.
The first problem is spatial confusion. erstwhile a man abruptly finds himself in position head down, the mistake begins to rage. And then there's the water coming in everywhere. It's easy to panic in a situation like this. However, you gotta control the nerves and execute a well-trained series of movements – explains Lieutenant Pil. Paweł Sailarski, chopper pilot from 43 Naval Air Baseswhich is subject to the MW Air Force Brigade. Through a course in Training Centre for WP divers and fins In Gdynia he passed once, but shortly he will have further training. No wonder.
“Our classes must be attended by all pilot, navigator and on-board technician of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, as long as he is flying above the surface of the sea – like Lt. Mar. Wacław Kryszak, teacher from the Gdynia centre. The basic course is repeated all 5 years. But airmen are besides required to participate in training courses. During classes, they practice, among another things, releasing themselves from a parachute harness, entering a life raft or climbing a ladder called a storm trap. But crowning training is always sessions at METS.
Until recently, the main part of the simulator imitated the W-3 chopper cabin. However, after modernization the device became more versatile. – METS is now based on modules that can be configured to match the W-3 cabin, as well as the AW101 or Black Hawk, the latest helicopters that the Polish army buys," explains Lt. Mar. Kryszak. Additionally, the strategy management computers were moved to a separate room, making them better protected by moisture. Instructors besides gained the ability to control the cab straight from portable desktops. The modernisation work lasted respective months and was financed by the Head of method Affairs of the Maritime Support Inspectorate.
The basic principles of METS remained unchanged. The simulator, as before, is coupled with systems that let to make waves during exercise in the pool, while in the hall itself wind, rain and blackout. The sound of the storm and the sound of the engines of the damaged chopper are close to the ears of the trainees. In words, the course is conducted under conditions that mostly correspond to the actual situation at sea. Well, possibly outside the air and water temperature. In this respect, the OSNiP hall is alternatively comfortable.
On the upgraded simulator, the first group of airmen practiced. “We are shortly expecting more,” says Lt. Mar. Kryszak.
