Working with Helicopters - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)

FM/G97 - Working with Helicopters

Skill

FM/BS-481 - Approach helicopters safely

Skill

When approaching a helicopter, keep in mind the following factors:

Avoid crossing the door gunner firing arcs
Avoid getting near the tail rotor, especially the side of the tail that the tail rotor is on
Avoid approaching and standing directly in front of the helicopter, as this is the direction in which the helicopter will move when taking off
Be mindful of the clearance between your head and the main rotor, especially on uneven terrain

In practice, this means:

Approach helicopters that load from the side from the side, preferably slightly from the rear
Approach helicopters that load from the rear directly from the rear

Skill

FM/BS-515 - Behave appropriately inside a vehicle

Skill

Stay off crew intercom, and join cargo if crew was selected by default
Do not try to interact directly with the crew, regardless of the situation
Casual conversation is allowed, unless instructed otherwise by the crew/leadership
Cease casual conversation automatically when in contact or in an emergency

Skill

FM/BS-516 - Dismount vehicles

Skill

Before dismounting, the call "Dismount" will be given by the crew
After dismounting the vehicle move away from the vehicle without crossing in front or behind the vehicle, to prevent being run over, or stopping the vehicle from moving as it needs to.

Skill

FM/BS-514 - Call when mounted up

Skill

When mounting in a vehicle, announce to the fireteam leader when your are mounted over the radio.

‘{name} up’

This allows fireteam leaders to then notify the squad leader and so on and ensure that everyone who needs to be on board, is on board before the vehicle departs.