SEVEN A.M., THE SIREN went off. It was time.
As per their briefing, the first week would be devoted to water survival training.
Helicopter pilots must have a regular refresher course on aircraft ditching skills, what has been termed ‘dunker training.’ This was a two-day course designed to train up to twenty pilots in an eight-hour day.
The main dunker, called the modular egress training system, came in three configurations. It simulated an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk, and a CH-47 Chinook. The pilot seat, console, flight control and exits were built to the exact specifications of each aircraft model.
Banjo and Andy, along with eight other pilots gathered around the Black Hawk console.
When the instructor was not looking, he nudged her with his elbow which she ign
