Helicopter Diving Anyone?

[scubasavvy]

I was just talking to a friend of mine who was once on one of the CT Police Scuba forces, which in its own is the type of diving that I'd never want to do. I asked him if he's ever jumped out of any helicopters in his day, and he told me that it was a very common thing and is now turning into a sport. I Googled it and this is what I've found:Helicopter diving an extreme sport

My question is, what kind of insurance do you have to have to let people jump out of a helicopter with full scuba gear on? Also, I kind of think it should be left up to the professionals, you know, jumping out of airborne objects, but hey, I guess if it makes money, why not? Any thoughts?

[Navy OnStar]

Navy SAR swimmers jump out of helicopters all the time. They go out in full gear minus the tank. The helicopter is either at 10ft 10kts or in a 15ft hover, although the swimmers have been known to have little competitions as to who can jump out the highest. Then we hoist them back up and they do it again.

[navyhmc]

Only one question to ask: Why????

While I understand those who seek bigger and better thrills, this doesn't have the same purpose as say, helo drop skiing. If it were into a spot that wasn't accessable by any other means (think Bond in "For You Eyes Only" towards the end of the movie.) But just to jump out of a helo with gear on...I think Puffer fish had a story about somehting close to this without the expense.

[paintsnow]

good way to get to far away dive site quickly

just dont think the chopper would have enough fuel to hang around for an hour...

[mm_dm]

My Instructor was trained to jump for para-rescue. He was on one of the teams for guys that would jump for the astronauts in their space capsules.

I can't imagine anyone who would insure that for recreation (ie: non-gov't sponsored). That sounds like like way to much fun to have a check waiting if you broke in half trying.

[Navy OnStar]

Originally Posted by paintsnow

good way to get to far away dive site quickly

just dont think the chopper would have enough fuel to hang around for an hour...

The helo in the link from the OP is a Bell 206 Jet Ranger which is what I instruct on, they have about 2 hours and 45 minutes worth of fuel depending on what profile you fly. the problem is getting them back into the helicopter. Jet Rangers don't have rescue hoists.

[paintsnow]

couldnt they just get really low and have the divers climb onto the skids?
XDD
its not like they cant float or anything
lol

[vanessar]

I was wondering how long it would take for helio scuba to catch on.

Vanessar

[comet24]

That second pic looks a little high to be jumping out with a tank on.

Here's how you get back onboard.

Team Retrieval Chinook

[Navy OnStar]

Originally Posted by paintsnow

couldnt they just get really low and have the divers climb onto the skids?
XDD
its not like they cant float or anything
lol

The helicopter is so light (3200lbs max weight) that the weight of a diver out on the skids offsets the center of gravity enough the helicopter becomes hard to control.
Can you do it...yes...would I want to do it regularly...No.

Now the chinook video...that's awesome!