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13 AugRescue of severely injured pilot of N84287 after crash in remote location
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
APPROACH
Pensacola Aircraft Hazards weather information, convective SIGMET 75 Central, 52 Eastern. Pensacola and surrounding area available on HIWAS or Flight Service frequency.
APPROACH
Pensacola weather alert: there's a severe thunderstorm warning for the central and eastern regions. Check the automated weather or flight radio for more details near Pensacola.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola Approach, Skyhawk 75831.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola Approach, this is Skyhawk 831.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 75831, Pensacola Approach. Remain clear of the Class Charlie, state position, squawk 0125.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, Pensacola. Stay clear of the busy airport airspace, state your position, and set your radar code to 0125.
SKYHAWK 831
Skyhawk 831, Pensacola Approach, I hear you. 831, I need a life-flight helicopter dispatched to my location. I’ve got an aircraft down; the pilot appears to be still alive.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, this is Skyhawk 831, I hear you. Look, I need an emergency medical helicopter sent to my position immediately. I’ve found a crashed plane; the pilot looks like he’s still alive.
APPROACH
November 75831, what’s your location?
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, what is your location?
SKYHAWK 831
Standby, I’ll give you a lat-long. Approach, ready to copy?
SKYHAWK 831
Wait one second, I’ll get GPS coordinates for you. Pensacola, are you ready to write this down?
APPROACH
November 75831, go ahead, sir.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, go ahead, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
30 58.22 North, 87 12.30 West.
SKYHAWK 831
Latitude 30 58.22 North, Longitude 87 12.30 West.
APPROACH
87 12.30 West?
APPROACH
Are you at 87 degrees, 12.30 minutes West?
SKYHAWK 831
87 12.30 West, that is correct.
SKYHAWK 831
87 degrees, 12.30 West, that’s exactly right.
APPROACH
All right, thank you. I'm still looking for your squawk. Can you give me a general area where you are?
APPROACH
Got it, thanks. I’m still not seeing your electronic signal on my radar screen. Can you tell me roughly what area you’re in?
SKYHAWK 831
I am one mile north of Jay, Florida.
SKYHAWK 831
I am about one mile north of Jay, Florida.
APPROACH
One mile north of Jay. Okay, Roger that, November 75831. Give me that squawk code and I'll dial it up for you.
APPROACH
A mile north of Jay. Okay, understood, Skyhawk 75831. Go ahead and enter that four-digit tracking code and I’ll get you pulled up on my screen.
SKYHAWK 831
0125.
SKYHAWK 831
Zero-one-two-five.
APPROACH
Say again?
APPROACH
Could you repeat that?
SKYHAWK 831
0125. There you go.
SKYHAWK 831
Zero-one-two-five. There, it's set.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Pensacola Approach, Blue Streak 5298, 2.1 for 3,000.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Pensacola controllers, this is Blue Streak 5298. We’re passing through 2,100 feet and climbing up to 3,000.
APPROACH
Blue Streak 5298, departure radar contact. Climb and maintain 10,000. For now, fly heading 080. Expect vectors around precip.
APPROACH
Blue Streak 5298, I have you on my radar. Climb up and stay at 10,000 feet. For now, turn to a heading of 080, and I’ll give you directions to steer clear of the rain ahead.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Roger. Climb and maintain 10,000, heading 080, Blue Streak 5298.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Understood. Climbing to 10,000 feet and turning to heading 080, Blue Streak 5298.
APPROACH
November 75831, radar contact about 10 miles southwest of the Brewton Airport. Altimeter is 29.89. There’s a small area of heavy precip just south of your present position. Are you able to maintain VFR right there in that area and keep an eye on things?
APPROACH
Aircraft 75831, I see you on radar about 10 miles southwest of Brewton Airport. The local pressure setting for your altimeter is 29.89. There’s a patch of heavy rain just south of you. Can you stay clear of the clouds and keep a visual on that area for us?
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. I am able to maintain VFR at this time. I have my eye on the precip.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. I can stay clear of the clouds and keep a visual on the ground for now. I’ve got my eye on that rain.
APPROACH
All right, thank you. Yeah, we were actually just looking for that aircraft. Thank you for the call.
APPROACH
All right, thank you. We were actually just searching for a missing plane in that area. I appreciate the report.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. That's my aircraft. I've got a pilot in it; he appears to be still alive, but I need help. I can’t get to him via vehicle. He’s in the swamp. The only way to get to him and get him medical attention is going to be by life-flight.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. That’s my plane down there. I can see the pilot; he looks like he’s still alive, but I need help. I can’t reach him by car because he’s in the middle of the swamp. The only way to get him medical help is going to be a rescue helicopter.
APPROACH
November 9132 Bravo, Pensacola Approach, loud and clear. Maintain radio silence. And November 75831, you were stepped on. Basically, what I got, though, was that it's your aircraft. You said it appears that you can see some movement from the pilot, that he's still alive, and you need some medical attention. We’re calling right now.
APPROACH
Aircraft 9132 Bravo, I hear you, but stay off the radio so I can talk to this emergency. And 75831, someone else talked over you. But I heard that it’s your plane down there. You said you see the pilot moving and he’s alive, and you need medical help. We are calling emergency services right now.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir. That's the only way to get in there to him. There’s no way to get to him by vehicle—by helicopter only.
SKYHAWK 831
I appreciate that, sir. That's the only way anyone is going to reach him. You can’t get a ground vehicle back there—it has to be by helicopter.
APPROACH
All right, Roger. Blue Streak 5298, turn left heading 040.
APPROACH
Understood. Blue Streak 5298, turn left and fly a heading of zero-four-zero degrees.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Left heading 040, Blue Streak 5298.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Left turn to zero-four-zero, Blue Streak 5298.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, 831. I'm going to come in and see if I can get a visual on the pilot again.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, this is 831. I’m going to fly back in and try to spot the pilot on the ground again.
APPROACH
November 75831, Roger that. We’re working on coordinating some help to get up there.
APPROACH
Copy that, 831. We’re currently organizing a rescue team to get out to your location.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Approach, Blue Streak 5298. It looks like we may need about 15 more left to get around the buildup.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Approach, Blue Streak 5298. It looks like we’ll need to turn about fifteen degrees further left to steer clear of these towering storm clouds.
APPROACH
Blue Streak 5298, approved.
APPROACH
Blue Streak 5298, you’re cleared to do that.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, Pensacola Approach, can you hear me?
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, this is Pensacola Approach, do you have a radio connection with me?
SHANDSCARE 5
Yes, loud and clear.
SHANDSCARE 5
Yes, I hear you loud and clear.
APPROACH
All right, yeah, we’re dialing 911 right now. But we’ve got a downed aircraft up near Brewton, and the guy flying up there is real familiar with the area. He said pretty much the only way to get in there to help this guy is going to be with a helicopter. We just wanted to know if maybe you could help us out in any way—if you had someone you could contact, or if you had time and fuel to go up there? I'm not sure, I know you just landed, but I wasn't sure what your status was.
APPROACH
Okay, we're calling 911 right now. We have a plane crash near Brewton, and a pilot flying in that area who knows the terrain says a helicopter is really the only way to get in there and help. We wanted to see if you could assist—maybe you have a contact we should call, or if you have enough fuel and time to fly up there? I know you just landed, so I wasn't sure if you were still available for a mission.
SHANDSCARE 5
Yes, sir. We just dropped off and are doing a cool-down right now. Let me make a phone call and I’ll get back to you. We'll see how far it is up to Brewton and I’ll get back with you. Give me a phone number I can reach you at.
SHANDSCARE 5
Understood, sir. We just dropped off a patient and are letting the engines cool down right now. Let me make a quick phone call and I’ll get back to you. We'll check the distance to Brewton and see what we can do. Give me a phone number where I can reach you.
APPROACH
Yeah, let me know when you're ready. Blue Streak 5298, contact center 120.2.
APPROACH
Sounds good, just let me know when you're ready. Blue Streak 5298, switch over to the regional center controllers on frequency 120.2.
BLUE STREAK 5298
120.2, Blue Streak 5298. Take care.
BLUE STREAK 5298
Switching to 120.2, Blue Streak 5298. Good luck with everything.
APPROACH
You too.
APPROACH
You too.
SHANDSCARE 5
Pensacola, ShandsCare 5, ready for that number.
SHANDSCARE 5
Pensacola controllers, this is ShandsCare 5, I’m ready for that phone number now.
APPROACH
All right, it's 850-266-xxxx.
APPROACH
All right, the number is 850-266-xxxx.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger, 850-266-xxxx. I’ll make some phone calls and we'll see if we can get up that way.
SHANDSCARE 5
Understood, I've got that phone number. I’ll make some calls to my team and see if we can fly up to that area to help.
APPROACH
All right, we appreciate the help. We’re on the phone with 911 as well on the landline. But just for your planning purposes on fuel, there’s real heavy precip in between you and the Jay area. You'd probably have to kind of go out around the east side of Whiting, I would assume. So just get back to us and let us know. Thanks.
APPROACH
All right, we really appreciate you trying. We’re also coordinating with 911 dispatchers on the phone. Just so you can plan your fuel, there’s some very heavy rain between you and the Jay area. You’d probably have to fly around the east side of the Whiting Field airport to avoid it. Just get back to us and let us know what you decide. Thanks.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger that. What kind of aircraft is it?
SHANDSCARE 5
Got it. Do you know what kind of plane went down?
APPROACH
I'm not sure right now. I assume it's some type of Skyhawk or Cherokee or something like that.
APPROACH
I’m not positive yet. I’m guessing it’s a small single-engine plane, like a Cessna Skyhawk or a Piper Cherokee.
SKYHAWK 831
Approach, 831.
SKYHAWK 831
Air traffic control, this is the pilot of the Skyhawk, tail number 831.
APPROACH
Go ahead, 831.
APPROACH
Go ahead, 831, I'm listening.
SKYHAWK 831
I can confirm the pilot is alive, although severely injured.
SKYHAWK 831
I can confirm the pilot is alive, although they are very badly hurt.
APPROACH
November 75831, okay. Thanks for the update. We just talked to a helicopter that had just landed at Sacred Heart. He’s doing some planning to see if he can get up there, and then we've also got them on the phone with either 911 or police or somebody to try to get some help up there.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, understood. Thank you for that update. We just spoke with a medical helicopter that landed at the hospital. That pilot is checking to see if he can fly up to your location, and we’ve also got the 911 dispatchers and police on the line trying to get emergency crews out there.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir. I’ve got Escambia County, Alabama, Sheriff's Office and Rescue coming. Supposedly Santa Rosa County is also rolling, but they can't get to him. There’s no way to get to him other than a helicopter.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir. I’ve already alerted the Escambia County Sheriff and Rescue teams. Santa Rosa County is also responding, but they can't reach the crash site. It’s impossible to get to him unless we use a helicopter.
APPROACH
Okay, in other words, we need somebody with a helicopter. Copy that. So you said Escambia County, Alabama, has been contacted and Santa Rosa County has been contacted. Thank you.
APPROACH
Understood, so we definitely need a helicopter out there. I've noted that both Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have been notified. Thank you.
SKYHAWK 831
That is correct. It’s got to be a helicopter or a very shallow-draft boat. I know for sure a jet ski is coming with a person on it, but the only way to get him out of there is a helicopter.
SKYHAWK 831
Exactly. It has to be a helicopter or a boat that can handle very shallow water. I know a jet ski is on its way, but the only way to actually get him out of that spot is a helicopter.
APPROACH
November 75831, all right, sir. Yeah, we're pulling out all the stops trying to get somebody heading that way. Thank you.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, I hear you, sir. We’re doing everything we possibly can to get someone out there right now. Thank you.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you, sir. Keep me apprised, please.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you, sir. Please keep me updated on the situation.
APPROACH
I will. And actually, what type of aircraft is it?
APPROACH
I will. And do you happen to know what kind of plane it is that went down?
SKYHAWK 831
It’s a Cessna 172, November 84287.
SKYHAWK 831
It’s a small Cessna 172, registration number N84287.
APPROACH
November 75831, just one pilot on board as far as you know?
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, was it just the pilot alone on board as far as you can tell?
SKYHAWK 831
One person on board, yes, sir. One soul on board.
SKYHAWK 831
It's just me on board, yes sir. Just one person total.
APPROACH
All right, November 75831, we’ll keep you posted. Thanks.
APPROACH
All right, 831, we’ll keep you updated on the situation. Thanks.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, the everybody's trying to coordinate it. They're on the phone and everything. Life-flight knows about it. At Pensacola, there's weather between Pensacola and there, but they've got several agencies that are being notified about it.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, everyone is working to coordinate a rescue. We're on the phones right now. The medical evacuation teams have been alerted. There’s some bad weather between here and Pensacola, but we’re notifying several different emergency agencies to get to you.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you.
APPROACH
831, how much fuel do you have?
APPROACH
831, how much fuel do you have left?
SKYHAWK 831
I've got four hours on board. I'm good.
SKYHAWK 831
I've got four hours of fuel left. I'm in good shape.
APPROACH
Navy 7 Echo 110, Pensacola. I’ve got an aircraft that has gone down about 15 miles west of your position. Do you have any resources on board that could get near that aircraft and get someone off? They're just injured and we're trying to get a helicopter there now. Yeah, they're about 15 miles on a 283 heading, and it's actually 20 and a half miles. Navy 110, it’s just a question if you can go over there or not. Just report back and let me know if you can. If you want to start heading that way, heading 280, maintain VFR.
APPROACH
Navy 110, this is Pensacola. A plane has crashed about 15 miles west of you. Do you have any way to get near them and pick someone up? There's an injury and we're trying to get a rescue helicopter there now. They're actually about 20 miles away to your west. Navy 110, just let me know if you're able to assist. If you can, start flying west and stay clear of the clouds while you look for them.
NAVY 7 ECHO 103
Navy 7 Echo 103, solo. Radar service terminated. Squawk appropriate VFR, frequency change approved.
NAVY 7 ECHO 103
Navy 103, I'm flying solo. I'll stop the radar tracking, set my transponder to the standard code for flying by sight, and I'm switching off this radio frequency now.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, contact Tower 119.9.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, switch over and talk to the control tower on radio channel 119.9.
APPROACH
Navy 110, can you go up on Citec’s frequency? They’ve got one over there right now. See if maybe they could come up on the local frequency for a minute.
APPROACH
Navy 110, can you switch to Citec’s radio channel? They have someone over there right now. See if you can get them to switch to this local channel for a minute so we can talk.
APPROACH
November 831, Pensacola Approach, you up?
APPROACH
Private plane 831, this is Pensacola air traffic control, are you on the radio?
SKYHAWK 831
831, we're up, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
831 here, we’re listening, sir.
APPROACH
Yes, sir. Is there anywhere where a helicopter can land?
APPROACH
Copy that, sir. From where you are, do you see any spot where a rescue helicopter could land?
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. A helicopter can land right next to it. He’s on a sandbar.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. A helicopter could land right next to the crash. He’s down on a sandbar.
APPROACH
831, Roger. All right, so they can’t go about eight north of their position. Can you tell them to come up on local and let me talk to them? ShandsCare 5, Pensacola. ShandsCare 5, Roger. Just let me know as soon as you're able. There's an aircraft orbiting over there; he's waiting for somebody. He said there's a place to land and everything, and they see one pilot, just severely injured. There’s some weather right there—in between you, there's several areas to pick your way through, or go up the east side. But the heading off of Pensacola's a 360 at 28.8 miles.
APPROACH
831, I understand. Okay, so they can't go more than eight miles north of where they are. Can you ask them to switch to this local radio channel so I can talk to them? ShandsCare 5 medical helicopter, this is Pensacola. I hear you. Just let me know as soon as you're ready. There’s a plane circling the site right now waiting for you. The pilot says there’s a place to land, and they see one survivor who is severely injured. There are some storms between you and the site—you can weave through the clear spots or go around to the east. The site is roughly 29 miles due north of Pensacola.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, Pensacola, Roger. And the site of the aircraft is 10 miles due north. There’s a place to land. We're just trying to get somebody up there. You're unable?
APPROACH
Lucky 182, Pensacola, I copy. The crash site is ten miles straight north of you. There’s a landing spot there, and we’re trying to get help to them. Are you saying you're unable to assist?
APPROACH
Coast Guard up at Pensacola, you up?
APPROACH
Coast Guard unit near Pensacola, are you listening on this frequency?
LUCKY 062
Pensacola Approach, Lucky 062 is with you approaching West Florida Hospital.
LUCKY 062
Pensacola controllers, Lucky 062 is checking in with you, we’re flying near West Florida Hospital right now.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, Pensacola, Roger. Are you just going back to South Field?
APPROACH
Lucky 062, Pensacola, I hear you. Are you heading straight back to the South Field airport?
LUCKY 062
Yes, sir.
LUCKY 062
Yes, sir, that’s correct.
APPROACH
All right, and who was that Citec? Aircraft at Citec, Pensacola, you up? Navy 110, just tell that guy he's up at 1,000 feet now. Come and just call me on 119.0, please. Pensacola Approach, Lucky 182 is on the Citec with you, 119.0.
APPROACH
Alright, and who was that flying over the Citec waypoint? Any aircraft at Citec, are you on this frequency? Navy 110, just tell that pilot he’s at a thousand feet now and to call me on the 119.0 radio channel. Lucky 182, I have you over Citec, switch to 119.0.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, can you go eight miles north of your position and possibly help a downed aircraft? We can't get anybody up there. There's a spot to land, and the pilot's still there.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, can you fly eight miles north of where you are and possibly help a crashed aircraft? We can’t get anyone else out there. There’s a spot to land, and the pilot is still at the scene.
LUCKY 182
Copy, eight miles north of position. Yeah, I’m about it. 30 minutes of fuel, so we'll go on route. I've got fuel at Citec if needed.
LUCKY 182
Understood, heading eight miles north. Yeah, I’m on it. We have 30 minutes of fuel, so we’ll head that way now. I can get more fuel at the Citec landing site if I need to.
APPROACH
All right, Lucky 118, Roger. Just fly heading 360. I’ve got an aircraft that's maneuvering over there right now that has contact with the pilot, who is severely injured. Just fly heading 360 for now for me, please.
APPROACH
Okay, Lucky 118, I've got you. Just fly a straight north heading. I have another plane circling the area right now that has eyes on the pilot, and he is severely injured. Just keep flying north for me for now, please.
LUCKY 182
360 for Lucky 182.
LUCKY 182
Turning to a due north heading for Lucky 182.
APPROACH
And then once we get up there, we'll determine that. We're trying to get Coast Guard and Life-flight up there, but there's some weather. You're on the north side; if you could just get there and see what help you could provide.
APPROACH
We’ll figure that out once we’re actually over the site. We’re trying to get the Coast Guard and medical helicopters up there, but the weather is moving in. You’re coming from the north; if you can just get to the area and see what kind of help you can offer.
LUCKY 182
182 copies. I'll let you know when I get a touch or visual.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182 understands. I’ll let you know as soon as I have the scene in my sights.
APPROACH
All right, just stay this frequency. I'm going to have another aircraft that's up this frequency talk to you also. November 831, I’ve got the Lucky aircraft. He’s about six, seven miles southeast of your position, northbound, and I'm going to point him out to you. You just stay at or above 1,500 feet. They'll stay at or below 1,000, and we'll get them to get contact on the site.
APPROACH
All right, just stay on this radio channel. I’m going to have another plane on this frequency talk to you as well. Plane 831, I’ve got the Lucky aircraft on radar. He’s about six or seven miles southeast of you, heading north, and I’ll help you spot him. You stay at or above fifteen hundred feet. They’ll stay below a thousand, and we’ll have them try to get eyes on the site.
SKYHAWK 831
831, Wilco.
SKYHAWK 831
Skyhawk 831, will do.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, radar service terminated. Squawk appropriate VFR code, frequency change approved. Lucky 118, the Cessna aircraft is going to be looking for you. They'll be at or above 1,500 feet if you'll stay at or below 1,000. And like I said, they are up this frequency. Can you hear them?
APPROACH
Lucky 062, I’m done tracking you on radar. Set your transponder to the standard code for flying by sight and you're free to switch radio channels. Lucky 118, that Cessna is going to be looking for you. They’ll be at or above fifteen hundred feet, so you stay at or below a thousand. Like I said, they’re on this same frequency. Can you hear them?
LUCKY 182
182 copies. Do you want us to pick up a squawk so you know where we are relative to the scene?
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182 understands. Do you want us to set a specific tracking code on our transponder so you can see exactly where we are compared to the crash scene?
APPROACH
Yeah, Lucky 182, Roger. Squawk 0117.
APPROACH
Yes, Lucky 182, I hear you. Set your tracking code to 0117.
LUCKY 182
0117 copy, and searching for traffic.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182, I've got that transponder code set, and I'm looking for the other aircraft in the area.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Pensacola.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, this is Pensacola Approach.
LUCKY 062
Pensacola Approach, Lucky 062 is clear to the northeast, request squawk VFR.
LUCKY 062
Pensacola Approach, Lucky 062 is safely out of the area to the northeast; I'd like to switch my radar code over to general visual flight rules.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, squawk appropriate VFR code, please.
APPROACH
Lucky 062, go ahead and set your transponder to the standard visual flight code, please.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, in radar contact. Altimeter 29.89.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, I see you on my radar now. The barometric pressure for your altitude reading is 29.89.
LUCKY 182
29.89, copy.
LUCKY 182
29.89 on the pressure setting, understood.
APPROACH
And November 831, what are the landing conditions like there so I can let some of these pilots know?
APPROACH
And November 831, can you tell me what the visibility and weather are like for landing so I can pass that info to the other pilots?
SKYHAWK 831
We are in VFR conditions, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
The weather is clear enough for visual flying out here, sir.
APPROACH
I mean, what is the landing site? Is it just solid ground, or what is it?
APPROACH
I mean, what does the landing area look like? Is it actually solid land, or what are we dealing with?
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. It's solid ground. Got a sandbar about 50 yards wide, 150 yards long.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. It is solid ground. There is a sandbar down here about 50 yards wide and 150 yards long.
APPROACH
All right, I've got a military aircraft—I'm not sure what they'll be able to do—but at least somebody will be there until we can get some other support and go from there. Maybe they can get on the ground and at least get contact with the pilot and relay the conditions for us.
APPROACH
Okay, I have a military plane nearby—I'm not sure if they can actually land—but at least someone will be on the scene until we can get more help out there. Maybe they can get on the ground, talk to the pilot, and tell us what the situation is.
SKYHAWK 831
If they can just at least administer first aid, that's all we can ask for at the moment.
SKYHAWK 831
If they can just provide some basic medical help, that's really all we can hope for right now.
APPROACH
Yeah, in an emergency situation, I think they'll be able to do it. They're just south of you. Where is the crash site in relation to you?
APPROACH
Yeah, since this is an emergency, I think they'll be able to manage that. They are just south of you. Exactly where is the crash site from your current position?
SKYHAWK 831
In my current position, a quarter of a mile north of me, and I'm orbiting the crash site.
SKYHAWK 831
From where I am right now, it's about a quarter-mile to my north, and I am circling directly over the crash site.
APPROACH
All right, so it's a quarter-mile north of you. Lucky 182, do you see the Cessna orbiting at your 11 to 12 o'clock and about three miles, 2,200? Lucky 182, you with me?
APPROACH
Copy that, so it's a quarter-mile north of you. Military flight Lucky 182, do you see that small Cessna circling just ahead and slightly to your left, about three miles away at 2,200 feet? Lucky 182, do you hear me?
LUCKY 182
182 loud and clear. Sorry, I missed that last call.
LUCKY 182
This is 182, I hear you perfectly now. Sorry, I missed that last radio call.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, Roger. And the fixed-wing aircraft is about your 10 o'clock and three miles. Turn five degrees left. Let me know when you get them in sight. They will be restricted above you. They're asking if maybe you could land and just provide first aid until somebody gets there.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, I understand. The airplane is slightly to your left, about three miles ahead. Turn just a bit to the left. Let me know as soon as you see them. I will keep them at a higher altitude than you. They’re asking if you’re able to land at the scene and provide medical help until the rescue teams arrive.
LUCKY 182
182 copies.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182 acknowledges that.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, and Santa Rosa County is out there with emergency lights. Do you see anybody around there? I know it's a remote area, but they're trying to get there also.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, the county emergency crews are out there with their lights flashing. Do you see anyone down there? I know it’s a middle-of-nowhere spot, but they’re trying to reach the site too.
LUCKY 182
182 searching.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182 is searching the area.
APPROACH
831, do you have contact with any emergency vehicles? They're trying to get in that vicinity.
APPROACH
831, do you see any emergency vehicles yet? They are trying to get into that general area.
SKYHAWK 831
I see several, sir, but they can't get here by vehicle. They’re going to have to come in by boat. I do see one boat on the river. I do not know if that's search and rescue or if it's a private individual.
SKYHAWK 831
I see several of them, sir, but they can’t reach this spot by road. They’re going to have to come in by water. I do see one boat on the river, but I can’t tell if that’s a rescue team or just a private citizen.
APPROACH
All right, Roger that. Lucky 182, the aircraft is 12 o'clock now and a mile and a half. Do you have them in sight?
APPROACH
Alright, I understand. Lucky 182, the plane is directly in front of you now, just a mile and a half away. Do you have eyes on them?
LUCKY 182
In sight, 182.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182 has them in sight.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, Roger. Do you have the crash site in sight?
APPROACH
Lucky 182, understood. Do you have eyes on the wreckage yet?
LUCKY 182
182 still searching for that.
LUCKY 182
182 is still searching for it.
APPROACH
And November 831, relay the crash site, please.
APPROACH
And Skyhawk 831, please describe the location of the crash site for them.
SKYHAWK 831
Lucky, the crash site is going to be on the north side of the river on the sandbar next to the trees.
SKYHAWK 831
Lucky, the plane went down on the north side of the river, on the sandbar right next to the trees.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, let me know if you get contact with the aircraft.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, let me know the moment you're in communication with that aircraft.
LUCKY 182
182, I have good contact with the aircraft at this time.
LUCKY 182
182, I have clear radio contact with the pilot at this time.
APPROACH
Roger. Do you have the crash site in sight yet?
APPROACH
Understood. Do you actually have the crash site in your sights yet?
LUCKY 182
Negative, we're following the river searching now.
LUCKY 182
No, we’re following the river and searching for it now.
APPROACH
831, they're just a mile south of your position. Stay at or above 1,500 and do you see the orange and white Navy helicopter?
APPROACH
Eight-three-one, they are just a mile south of you. Keep your altitude at fifteen hundred feet or higher, and let me know if you can see that orange and white Navy helicopter.
SKYHAWK 831
We're looking for the helicopter, sir. We will remain above 2,200.
SKYHAWK 831
We are scanning for the helicopter now, sir. We will stay up at twenty-two hundred feet to keep clear.
APPROACH
Yeah, you can go all the way down. Just stay at or above 1,500; they'll stay at or below 1,000. Lucky 182, Roger. Radar service terminated. And if you would, give us a call. You can try to transmit, or hopefully someone has a cellphone, and that way we can relay the condition of the pilot and get a closer location, please.
APPROACH
Yeah, you're clear to fly lower. Just stay at or above fifteen hundred feet; the other guys will stay below a thousand. Lucky one-eight-two, understood. I'm stopping your radar tracking now. If you can, please give us a call—try the radio or hopefully someone has a cellphone—so we can pass along how the pilot is doing and get a more precise location, please.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, 831. Rescue boats are on scene.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, this is eight-three-one. The rescue boats have arrived at the scene.
APPROACH
831, Roger. Thanks. Coast Guard Rescue 6556, Pensacola, up? Lucky 182, go ahead.
APPROACH
Eight-three-one, understood. Thanks. Coast Guard Rescue sixty-five-fifty-six, this is Pensacola, are you on this frequency? Lucky one-eight-two, go ahead with your message.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182, the other aircraft just said that a rescue boat just got there. So I’d say you can—if you have the gas, just hang out there for a minute and let's see what else we can coordinate with them.
LUCKY 182
Lucky one-eight-two here. That other plane just reported that a rescue boat just reached them. So I’d say if you have enough fuel, just circle the area for a minute and let's see what else we can coordinate with the rescue team.
SKYHAWK 831
831, you said you're in contact with them?
SKYHAWK 831
Eight-three-one here, did you say you are in direct contact with them?
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, Pensacola, up. Roger, you're loud and clear. Where are you at? Are you just northeast of Mobile, squawking 0352?
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue sixty-five-fifty-six, this is Pensacola. Understood, I hear you loud and clear. What is your current position? Are you just northeast of Mobile, with your tracking beacon set to zero-three-five-two?
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, Roger. I've got a crash site 43 miles on a 064 heading. They got a rescue boat there, but no other type of transportation. We got a Navy helicopter, but they may not be able to transport. Are you capable and willing? Yeah, Coast Guard Rescue 6556, fly heading 065 and I'll get you a code here in just a minute. Coast Guard Rescue 6556, squawk 0137, please. Local altimeter 29.89.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, understood. I’ve got a crash site 43 miles out in a direction of 064 degrees. They have a rescue boat there, but no other way to move people. We have a Navy helicopter on site, but they might not be able to carry anyone. Are you able and willing to help? Okay, Coast Guard Rescue 6556, fly a heading of 065 and I’ll give you a tracking code in just a minute. Coast Guard Rescue 6556, set your transponder to 0137, please. The local barometric pressure for your altitude is 29.89.
SKYHAWK 831
831, are you up?
SKYHAWK 831
831, are you on the radio?
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. We’re up.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. We’re listening.
APPROACH
831, I've got a Coast Guard rescue helicopter going to come that way. They don't have an EMT, but they will transport. Relay that to the EMS that's on scene, please.
APPROACH
831, I have a Coast Guard rescue helicopter heading your way. They don't have a medic on board, but they can carry patients. Please pass that message to the emergency crew on the ground.
SKYHAWK 831
Doing it right now. Yes, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
Telling them right now. Yes, sir.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, radar contact. Maintain VFR, and if you would, fly heading 063. Lucky 182, you up? November 831, tell Lucky that they can probably go back if they’re concerned with fuel. I don't think they can transport, and the Coast Guard rescue will transport.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, I see you on radar. Continue flying by visual sight and turn to a heading of 063. Lucky 182, are you on this frequency? Skyhawk 831, tell Lucky they can probably head back if they’re worried about their fuel. I don't think they can carry patients, and the Coast Guard rescue will handle the transport.
SKYHAWK 831
Lucky 18, 75831. Coast Guard helicopter is en route. If you cannot transport, they can transport. Pensacola clears you back.
SKYHAWK 831
Lucky 18, this is Skyhawk 831. A Coast Guard helicopter is on the way. If you can't carry anyone, they can. Pensacola air traffic control says you're authorized to head back.
APPROACH
831, did you get a response?
APPROACH
831, did you get a response from them?
SKYHAWK 831
Negative response.
SKYHAWK 831
No response from them.
APPROACH
Roger, that's fine. He can hang out there. We're still trying to get some life-flight, but Coast Guard's about 40 miles away, but they're hurrying to get there.
APPROACH
Understood, that’s fine. He can stay right there. We’re still trying to coordinate a medical evacuation flight; the Coast Guard is about 40 miles away, but they’re rushing to get to the scene.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much for your help.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you so much for all your help.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, you're loud and clear. Do you want to go back or you want to hang out there? If for fuel reasons you need to vacate, you can do so. And thank you very much for your help. If you need fuel, go to Brewton. I’ll take care of you.
APPROACH
Lucky 182, I hear you perfectly. Do you want to head back or stay over the area? If you’re getting low on gas and need to leave, feel free to do so. And thank you very much for your help. If you need fuel, head to Brewton and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
LUCKY 182
Thank you very much, sir. We got a Coast Guard helicopter inbound, they're about 40 miles out, but they're coming quick. Thank you very much for your help, 182.
LUCKY 182
Thank you very much, sir. We know that Coast Guard helicopter is heading in; they’re about 40 miles out but they’re coming fast. Thanks again for everything, 182.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, change to my frequency 119.0, please. And who all do you have on board?
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, please switch over to my other radio frequency on 119.0. Also, how many people do you have on board your aircraft?
SKYHAWK 831
831, we're up.
SKYHAWK 831
This is 831, we're still here and listening.
APPROACH
831, I’ve got a Coast Guard rescue helicopter going to come that way. They don't have any EMT, but they will transport. Relay that to the EMS that's on scene, please.
APPROACH
831, I have a Coast Guard rescue helicopter heading your way. They don't have any paramedics on board, but they can transport patients. Please pass that information along to the medical crew already on the ground.
SKYHAWK 831
Doing that right now. Yes, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
I'm working on that right this second. Yes, sir.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, radar contact. Maintain VFR and if you would, fly heading 063.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, I have you on my radar screen. Keep flying by sight for now and, if you would, turn to a heading of 063 degrees.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, 831. Rescue has the EMT on site, but they cannot transport via the waterway. They do need the helicopter.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola control, this is 831. The paramedics have reached the scene, but they can't move the patient out by boat. They definitely need the helicopter.
APPROACH
Okay, Coast Guard should be up also. And Coast Guard 6556, the aircraft that's orbiting the site said that EMS is there. They cannot transport via water, so they’re going to have to see if you're going to be able to do it.
APPROACH
Okay, the Coast Guard should be on this frequency now too. Rescue 6556, the plane circling the scene says the paramedics are there, but they can't get the patient out by water, so they need to see if you can perform the pickup.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, Roger.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, understood.
APPROACH
There is a cleared site to land there. There's a riverbank close by, but there is a site that you'll be able to land. EMS is there; maybe they can ride with you and provide first aid, but you'll be our best bet because there's no other life-flight right now.
APPROACH
There is a clear spot to land there. It’s near a riverbank, but there is enough room for you. The paramedics are on site; maybe they can fly with you to provide medical aid, but you're our best hope because there isn't another medical helicopter available right now.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556 copies. Do you have a lat-long for the site?
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556 copies that. Do you have the latitude and longitude coordinates for the landing site?
APPROACH
Yeah, I have a lat-long. It's 30 58.22, 87 12.30. Coast Guard 6556, I'll have that for you for now. Right now I'm just going to vector you right to it, but I will have the lat-long. And it's 30 58.22, 87 12.30.
APPROACH
Yes, I have the coordinates. They are 30 58.22 North, 87 12.30 West. Rescue 6556, I'll give you those for your records, but for now, I'm just going to give you steering directions to lead you straight to the spot. Again, those coordinates are 30 58.22 and 87 12.30.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556, copy.
COAST GUARD 6556
Coast Guard 6556 here, I understand.
APPROACH
831, go ahead.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, go ahead with your message.
SKYHAWK 831
I’ve got a unit on the ground with an aviation handheld. Coast Guard can come up on 123.45 and talk to the unit that’s on the ground.
SKYHAWK 831
I’ve located a team on the ground with a portable aviation radio. The Coast Guard can switch over to the 123.45 frequency to talk directly to the unit at the scene.
APPROACH
All right, and they're about 20 miles from there. I’ll give you an ETA in just a minute. It’s showing about 14 minutes. Coast Guard 6556, and they got an aviation handheld on the scene that they'll give you that frequency as you get a little bit closer. EMS will be with you.
APPROACH
All right, the rescuers are about 20 miles away. I’ll give you an estimated arrival time in just a minute, but it’s looking like 14 minutes. Coast Guard 6556, they have a portable radio on the scene; I'll give you that specific radio channel as you get a bit closer. Emergency medical services will be there with you.
SKYHAWK 831
Roger that.
SKYHAWK 831
Got it.
APPROACH
831, they have that information. They're 13 minutes out. Lucky 182, transmitting on Approach. Thank you for all your help. Are you good to get back or do you need to go somewhere else?
APPROACH
831, the rescue crew has that info. They’re 13 minutes away. Lucky 182, this is the controller on the radio. Thank you for all your help with this. Are you okay to fly back home, or do you need to land somewhere else?
LUCKY 182
We’ll be fine to get in Citec for now, and then we might just have to stay there.
LUCKY 182
We’ll be fine to land at Citec for now, and then we might just have to stay parked there.
APPROACH
All right, Lucky 182. Thank you again and thanks for your help.
APPROACH
All right, Lucky 182. Thank you one more time; we really appreciate your help out there.
LUCKY 182
182, copy. Thank you.
LUCKY 182
Lucky 182, I understand. Thank you.
APPROACH
831, do you have contact with EMS? Where are they going to try to go? I've got some weather to the south; I just want to make sure that they’ll be able to get through that weather to get back to the hospital. Do they want to go to Baptist or Sacred Heart?
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, are you in touch with the medical team? Where are they trying to go? I'm seeing some bad weather to the south, and I want to make sure they can get through those storms to reach a hospital. Do they want Baptist or Sacred Heart?
SKYHAWK 831
We need to get to a trauma unit. Wherever that says they're closest to a trauma unit.
SKYHAWK 831
We have to get to a trauma center. Wherever the closest trauma center is located.
APPROACH
Yeah, it'll probably be Sacred Heart or Baptist. Baptist is the highest trauma unit, so we’ll just give Coast Guard a heads-up of where he needs to go and let the hospital know that it'll be a Coast Guard bringing him.
APPROACH
Understood, it'll likely be Sacred Heart or Baptist. Baptist is the top-level trauma center, so we’ll notify the Coast Guard where to fly and tell the hospital to expect a Coast Guard helicopter bringing him in.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. Thank you very much. Thank you so much for your help.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. Thank you very much. We really appreciate your help with this.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, are you familiar with Pensacola? The highest trauma center that they're going to want to take him is about 26 to 30 miles south of the crash scene. Will you be able to accommodate that?
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, do you know your way around Pensacola? The best trauma center for the patient is about 26 to 30 miles south of where the crash happened. Can you make that trip?
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, affirmative. We should be at Sacred Heart.
COAST GUARD 6556
This is Rescue 6556, yes we can. We'll head for Sacred Heart.
APPROACH
Yeah, it's just to the southwest of Pensacola. We'll have the supervisor give EMS a call to let them know that it'll be you and make sure that you're able to land there.
APPROACH
That’s just southwest of Pensacola. We'll have our supervisor call the emergency services to let them know you're the one coming and make sure you're cleared to land at the hospital.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556 copies. How many patients?
COAST GUARD 6556
Coast Guard 6556 understands. How many people are we picking up?
APPROACH
It's just one, severely injured.
APPROACH
It’s just one person, and they’re severely injured.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556 copies. We’ll call you here shortly, sir.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556 understands. We’ll check back in with you in just a moment, sir.
APPROACH
Roger. Just continue present heading. I'm going to vector you right to it, and then I'll have that frequency for you. Present heading's fine for now; the weather will stay clear. When you depart out of there with the patient, I'll give you vectors. There will be just light to moderate precip. There's heavy all over, but I'll vector you through the lighter stuff.
APPROACH
Understood. Just keep flying in the direction you’re pointed. I’m going to give you specific steering directions to lead you right to the spot, and then I’ll give you the radio channel for the ground team. Your current path is fine for now; the weather looks clear ahead. Once you leave the scene with the patient, I’ll guide you back. It’ll be raining a bit, and while there are heavy storms all over, I’ll steer you through the lighter patches.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556 copies. We do have a weather radar on board, but yeah, we'll probably need some vectors just to get back to regional.
COAST GUARD 6556
Coast Guard 6556 understands. We have our own weather radar on the helicopter, but we’ll definitely need your steering directions to help us get back to the regional airport.
APPROACH
Yeah, I'll give you a vector right to it. Right now, I've got a gap that’s just light precip that’s been staying consistent there that we'll be able to go through. Lucky 182, radar service terminated. Squawk appropriate code, frequency change approved. Coast Guard 6556, descending down to 1,000 feet. Heading 065 and 16 and a half miles.
APPROACH
Copy that, I’ll guide you straight there. I see a gap in the rain that’s holding steady, so we’ll be able to fly through that. Lucky 182, you're off my radar now. Set your transponder to the standard code and you’re clear to switch radio channels. Coast Guard 6556, drop down to 1,000 feet. Turn to a heading of 065 degrees; you’re about 16 and a half miles away.
COAST GUARD 6556
065, 6556.
COAST GUARD 6556
Turning to 065, 6556.
APPROACH
November 831, relay to EMS the Coast Guard's about 14 miles southwest. They’ll be coming up on the frequency here in about another four minutes.
APPROACH
Plane 831, tell the medical team on the ground that the Coast Guard is about 14 miles to the southwest. They should be joining this radio channel in about four minutes.
SKYHAWK 831
Copy. Thank you.
SKYHAWK 831
I've got that. Thank you.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, light to moderate precipitation off your right side extends for about two miles, and then some lighter stuff at your 12 o’clock. You should be good.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, you've got some light to moderate rain off to your right side for about two miles, and then some lighter showers straight ahead of you. You should be fine.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, copy.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, understood.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, I'm going to switch you over to that other frequency once you get the crash site. There's an aircraft that's going to orbit above you at 500 feet. They'll help you show you where it's at, but EMS should be there that you'll be able to see them first.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, I’m going to have you switch radio channels once you arrive at the crash site. There’s a plane that will be circling 500 feet above you; they’ll help point out the location, though you’ll likely see the emergency crews on the ground first.
COAST GUARD 6556
Roger that. I’ll let you know when we go off frequency in about three minutes.
COAST GUARD 6556
Understood. I’ll let you know when we switch off this channel in about three minutes.
APPROACH
Roger. You still got the frequency 123.025?
APPROACH
Got it. Do you still have that radio channel, 123.025?
COAST GUARD 6556
123.45.
COAST GUARD 6556
We're using 123.45.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Roger. And landing will be at your own risk; no information available. Local altimeter for that area is 29.89. Winds at Pensacola are 160 at 10.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, understood. Just so you know, landing there is at your own risk since we don't have any official reports on the ground conditions. The local air pressure for your altitude gauge is 29.89, and the winds nearby in Pensacola are coming from the south at 10 knots.
COAST GUARD 6556
29.89, 6556.
COAST GUARD 6556
Setting my altitude gauge to 29.89, Coast Guard 6556.
APPROACH
November 831, is the landing area clear for this helicopter to get in?
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, can you confirm the landing spot is clear for this rescue helicopter to come in?
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. Landing area is clear.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. The landing area is all clear.
APPROACH
Roger, they're about 10 miles southwest of your position. They may pick up you or the EMS first. They’ll be switching over in just a minute.
APPROACH
Understood, they’re about 10 miles southwest of where you are. They might spot you or the medical team first. They’ll switch to your radio channel in just a minute.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, the heading is about a 066 and nine and a half miles.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, steer slightly northeast at 066 degrees; you have about nine and a half miles to go.
COAST GUARD 6556
Copy, 6556. We're going to keep the frequency, but we have 123.45 working on our secondary frequency.
COAST GUARD 6556
Got it, 6556. We'll stay on this main channel with you, but we've got our second radio tuned to 123.45 as well.
APPROACH
Roger. Do you have somebody else on board with you that can monitor that frequency?
APPROACH
Understood. Is there someone else in the cockpit who can keep an ear on that other channel for you?
COAST GUARD 6556
Affirmative, Rescue 6556.
COAST GUARD 6556
That’s correct, this is Rescue helicopter 6556.
APPROACH
Roger.
APPROACH
Understood.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, 831. Coast Guard helicopter is on the ground.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola control, this is plane 831. The Coast Guard helicopter has just touched down on the ground.
APPROACH
831, Roger. Thanks. ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard's landed, so that's fine. Thanks for your help and we'll ask you questions once they get airborne. 831, there's a life-flight on the ground at Sacred Heart. They've let them know that that's where they're going to transport him, and we'll give Coast Guard all that info.
APPROACH
Got it, 831. Thank you. ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard has landed safely, so we’re all set there. I appreciate the help and we’ll check back with you once they’re back in the air. 831, there is a medical transport helicopter waiting at Sacred Heart hospital. They’ve been told the patient is coming their way, and we’ll pass all those details to the Coast Guard crew.
SKYHAWK 831
Understand the patient's going to go to Sacred and not Baptist?
SKYHAWK 831
Just to be clear, the patient is being taken to Sacred Heart hospital instead of Baptist?
APPROACH
Yeah, I think that's where they'll probably go. The life-flight pilot had said that it may be easier to get in there. There's a pad and same trauma.
APPROACH
Yeah, that’s the plan. The medical helicopter pilot mentioned it’s easier to land there. They have a dedicated landing pad and provide the same level of emergency trauma care.
SKYHAWK 831
Very good. Thank you very much for your help.
SKYHAWK 831
Sounds good. We really appreciate all your help with this.
APPROACH
Yes, sir. 831, how much fuel do you have?
APPROACH
You're welcome. 831, how much flying time do you have left based on the fuel you've got?
SKYHAWK 831
I have three hours on board, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
I have enough fuel to stay in the air for three more hours, sir.
APPROACH
All right, what is your plan?
APPROACH
All right, what are you planning to do next?
SKYHAWK 831
We’re going to wait on the patient to be loaded in the helicopter, then we’re going to RTB to Brewton.
SKYHAWK 831
We’re going to wait for the patient to be loaded into the helicopter, then we’re going to fly back to our home base at Brewton.
APPROACH
Roger. When you get on the ground at Brewton, would you give us a call? I’ll give you the number whenever you’re ready.
APPROACH
Understood. When you land at Brewton, could you give us a phone call? I can give you the number whenever you’re ready to write it down.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. Standby.
SKYHAWK 831
Yes, sir. Hold on a moment.
APPROACH
831, area code 850-266-xxxx. That's going to be the number once you get on the ground. We’ll need to get some info from you.
APPROACH
831, the number is area code 850-266-xxxx. Give that a call once you're on the ground. We’ll need to get some more information from you then.
SKYHAWK 831
Very good, sir. We'll give you a call.
SKYHAWK 831
Sounds good, sir. We’ll give you a call.
APPROACH
831, they have that information. They're 13 minutes out.
APPROACH
831, they’ve received that information. They are thirteen minutes away from your location.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, 831. Rescue helicopter says they're going to be lifting off in two minutes.
SKYHAWK 831
Pensacola, this is 831. The rescue helicopter crew says they’re going to be taking off in about two minutes.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, Roger.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, I’ve got that.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, Roger. Radar contact five southeast of Pensacola. Altimeter 29.90. I may have you hang out at Midway just for a minute. They got the patient loaded, and Coast Guard's going to be up on this frequency shortly.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, understood. I see you on my radar five miles southeast of Pensacola. The barometric pressure for your altitude gauge is 29.90. I might have you circle over Midway for just a minute. They’ve got the patient loaded, and the Coast Guard will be checking in on this radio channel shortly.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger that. I’ll loiter here where I'm at.
SHANDSCARE 5
Copy that. I’ll just circle around right here where I am.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, just go about another four miles. Do you know where the Midway antenna is, just off 98?
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, go ahead and fly about four more miles. Do you know where that big radio tower is at Midway, just off Highway 98?
SHANDSCARE 5
I’m sure I’ve flown by it a hundred times, but I didn't know what it was called.
SHANDSCARE 5
I’m sure I’ve flown by it a hundred times, I just never knew that’s what it was called.
APPROACH
Yeah, it's a big antenna there. I just want to make sure you see it. Just continue your present heading for now and you're on navigation. I just want to keep you in my airspace until you talk to that Coast Guard rescue.
APPROACH
Yeah, it’s a big tower there. I just want to be sure you see it. Keep flying the direction you're pointed for now and handle your own steering. I just want to keep you under my watch until you’ve linked up with that Coast Guard rescue helicopter.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger that.
SHANDSCARE 5
Got it.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue is airborne. He’ll be up with you in a moment. 831, thank you again and are you going back to Brewton now or are you going to come this way?
APPROACH
The Coast Guard rescue helicopter is in the air and will be checking in with you in just a second. 831, thanks again for the help—are you heading back to Brewton now or coming our way?
SKYHAWK 831
Negative, we're headed to Brewton.
SKYHAWK 831
No, we’re heading straight to Brewton.
APPROACH
November 75831, Roger. No landing weather information available. Proceed as requested. Altimeter 29.90.
APPROACH
Skyhawk 831, I hear you. I don't have the current weather for your landing yet, so just continue as you planned. Set your altitude gauge to 29.90.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir.
SKYHAWK 831
Thank you very much, sir.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, radar contact. Altimeter 29.90. I’ll give you vectors around the weather. It’ll be just some light precip. You okay with that? Coast Guard Rescue 6556, if you're able to climb VFR to about 2,000, we'll have better reception.
APPROACH
Coast Guard Rescue 6556, I’ve got you on my radar. Set your altitude gauge to 29.90. I’ll give you some directions to steer you around this weather; it’s just some light rain. Is that okay? Rescue 6556, if you can climb while staying clear of the clouds up to 2,000 feet, we’ll have a better radio connection.
SKYHAWK 831
Approach, 831.
SKYHAWK 831
Approach, this is 831.
APPROACH
Go ahead, 831.
APPROACH
Go ahead, 831, I'm listening.
SKYHAWK 831
Rescue helicopter is airborne.
SKYHAWK 831
The rescue helicopter is in the air.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Pensacola.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, this is the Pensacola controller.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, you're loud and clear. ShandsCare 5, the antenna's just off your left side.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, I hear you perfectly. ShandsCare 5, watch out for that radio tower just off to your left side.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger that, got it in sight.
SHANDSCARE 5
Copy that, I have the tower in sight.
APPROACH
831, transmit to Rescue 6556 that we’ll get them once they climb up just a little bit higher and I'll give them vectors around the weather. ShandsCare 5, it'll be just a second. Once I talk to them, I'll just have you give them any pertinent information about Sacred Heart.
APPROACH
831, tell Rescue 6556 I'll pick them up once they get a little more altitude, then I'll give them directions to steer around the storm. ShandsCare 5, hang on a second. Once I’m with them, I’ll have you pass along whatever they need to know about landing at Sacred Heart hospital.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger, 6556.
SHANDSCARE 5
Understood, standing by for 6556.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, you're loud and clear, how me?
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, I hear you loud and clear now, how is my signal on your end?
COAST GUARD 6556
Pensacola, Rescue 6556. We have you loud and clear. We're heading due south, climbing up to 2,000 feet.
COAST GUARD 6556
Pensacola, this is Rescue 6556. We hear you perfectly. We’re flying straight south and climbing up to 2,000 feet.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Roger. And due south will put you in light, possibly moderate precip. Or I can give you about a 210. Are you okay with the light to moderate? And we'll go direct Sacred Heart. I got a life-flight helicopter pilot on frequency who’s going to tell you his info about the field.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, received. Heading due south will put you right into some light or moderate rain. I can give you a slightly different heading toward the southwest if you prefer, or are you okay with the rain? We'll head straight for Sacred Heart; I’ve got a medical helicopter pilot on the radio who’s going to give you the local details about the landing site.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, Roger. We’re okay with light to moderate at this time.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, we copy that. We’re handling the light to moderate turbulence just fine for now.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Roger. And we're going to be going to Sacred Heart. I'm going to standby just a minute and let ShandsCare 5 pilot, he's a life-flight helicopter, talk to you.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, copy. You’re heading to Sacred Heart Hospital. Hang on a second while I let the pilot of ShandsCare 5—he’s in a medical transport helicopter—talk to you directly.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556, Roger.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556, understood.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, will you transmit? Hopefully your altitude's fine. Transmit. It's Rescue 6556. Let them know your experience.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, go ahead and speak. I hope your height is okay for the radio signal. Talk to Rescue 6556 and tell them what you know about the hospital.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger, Rescue 6556, ShandsCare 5. Yeah, the only thing about going into Sacred Heart Pensacola, there are two helipads. The biggest one is closest to the building; there should be plenty of room to land a Dolphin. The hospital employees will not come and unload from a running helicopter, so either you'll have to hot-offload them with your crew you have or shut down. Other than that, it's a basic helipad.
SHANDSCARE 5
Copy that, Rescue 6556, this is ShandsCare 5. Just so you know, Sacred Heart in Pensacola has two landing pads. Use the big one near the building; it’s large enough for your Dolphin helicopter. Just a heads-up: the hospital staff won't approach while your rotors are spinning. You’ll have to have your own crew unload the patients while the engines are running, or you'll have to turn the helicopter off completely. Otherwise, it's a standard pad.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556, Roger.
COAST GUARD 6556
6556, we copy all that.
SHANDSCARE 5
All right, good luck out there. Be safe.
SHANDSCARE 5
All right, good luck with the mission. Stay safe.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, you'll encounter light precipitation 12 o'clock, two miles. And there'll be some moderate off your right and left side, but it should be fine. If you need to deviate, let me know.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, you’re going to hit some light rain directly ahead of you in about two miles. There’s heavier rain to your left and right, but you should be okay. If you need to change course to avoid it, just tell me.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556, Roger. We’ll look at the weather radar on board and see if we can pick up the frequency for the hospital.
COAST GUARD 6556
This is Rescue 6556, understood. We’ll check our onboard weather radar and try to find the right radio channel to talk to the hospital.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, do you copy?
SHANDSCARE 5
ShandsCare 5.
SHANDSCARE 5
This is ShandsCare 5, go ahead.
APPROACH
We're going to continue on to Panama City unless you need further. Relay back to Sacred Heart, let them know that the rescue helicopter's 22 miles north.
APPROACH
We’re heading toward Panama City unless you need anything else. Please pass a message to Sacred Heart hospital and let them know the rescue helicopter is 22 miles north of them.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger that, we'll let them know.
SHANDSCARE 5
Understood, we’ll pass that information along to them.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, Roger. 831, relay to EMS the Coast Guard's about 14 miles southwest. They’ll be coming up on the frequency here in about another four minutes.
APPROACH
Coast Guard 6556, understood. Skyhawk 831, tell the emergency medical team that the Coast Guard is 14 miles southwest. They’ll be on this radio channel in about four minutes.
SKYHAWK 831
Copy. Thank you.
SKYHAWK 831
Got it. Thank you.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard's landed, so that's fine. Thanks for your help and we'll ask you questions once they get airborne.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard has touched down, so we're all set. Thanks for the help, and we’ll check back with you once they’re back in the air.
SHANDSCARE 5
They haven’t landed yet, so just standby a minute. They're about 400 feet. Looks like they're just orbiting right now clearing their landing area.
SHANDSCARE 5
They haven’t touched down yet, so just wait a minute. They're at about 400 feet up. It looks like they’re just circling right now, making sure their landing spot is clear.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, did you let the ER and everybody know medical-wise what they need to do? Because Coast Guard's not going to be able to do that.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, did you tell the emergency room and the medical team what they need to prepare for? The Coast Guard won't be able to handle those medical instructions.
SHANDSCARE 5
Roger. Coast Guard's still at 400 feet, so hopefully they're able to land. There is just an area of light precip. I don't know if you want to go up there or not.
SHANDSCARE 5
Understood. The Coast Guard is still 400 feet up, so I hope they can land. There’s a patch of light rain there; I’m not sure if you want to fly into that or not.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, that's fine if that's what you want to do. I got an aircraft that's due north of it in just light precip about four miles wide that you could get through, but that would be your call. But there is somebody up there right now. It doesn't look like Coast Guard has landed yet. All right, you going to Panama City then? Okay.
APPROACH
ShandsCare 5, that’s fine if that’s your choice. I see another plane north of there in a four-mile-wide patch of light rain you could pass through, but it’s your decision. There is someone up there now, and it doesn't look like the Coast Guard has landed. Okay, so you’re heading to Panama City instead? Understood.
APPROACH
831, go ahead.
APPROACH
831, go ahead with your message.
SKYHAWK 831
Rescue helicopter is on the ground.
SKYHAWK 831
The rescue helicopter has touched down on the ground.
APPROACH
831, Roger. Thanks. ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard's landed.
APPROACH
831, understood. Thank you. ShandsCare 5, the Coast Guard has officially landed.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, Pensacola Tower. Continue inbound and I’ll point out Sacred Heart Hospital as you get closer.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, this is the Pensacola Tower. Keep flying toward us and I’ll help you spot Sacred Heart Hospital as you get closer.
COAST GUARD 6556
Rescue 6556. I believe I know, it’s just to the west of the field. I'm familiar with the helipad, but I understand I think it’s just to the west of the field there.
COAST GUARD 6556
This is Rescue 6556. I think I've got it, it's just west of the airport. I'm familiar with that helipad, and I believe it's right there on the western side of the airfield.
TOWER
That is correct. It’s just less than a mile northwest of the approach end of Runway 8. Coast Guard 6556, there's two helipads there. I'm not sure which one they’re going to want you at, but the one that I know—I don't know where the second one is located—the one that I do know where it’s located is on the east side of the building, and then another road and intersection right there goes along the south side of the building and the helipad is right there at that intersection of the road.
TOWER
That’s right. It’s less than a mile northwest of the end of Runway 8 where planes touch down. Coast Guard 6556, there are two helipads there. I’m not sure which one they want you at, but the one I know is on the east side of the building. There’s a road and an intersection running along the south side, and the pad is right there at that corner.
COAST GUARD 6556
Copy for Rescue 6556. Do you happen to have a frequency for them?
COAST GUARD 6556
Got it, Rescue 6556. Do you happen to have a radio frequency so we can talk to them?
TOWER
That I do not have. I’ll see if I can make a couple phone calls and find a number for you, though.
TOWER
I don't have that. I'll see if I can make a few phone calls and find a contact number for you, though.
COAST GUARD 6556
All right, so we’ll take a look. We appreciate it. We’re overhead at this time.
COAST GUARD 6556
Alright, we'll start searching. We appreciate it. We are circling directly over the location right now.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, between the Tower and the Tracon, we don’t know what the frequency is over there. We tried contacting one of the life-flight helicopters that uses the helipad there and we’re having an issue getting that from another approach control, getting that information. Not sure if they have something kind of posted on the ground when you get there.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, neither the Tower nor the radar control room knows the radio frequency for that spot. We tried reaching out to a medical helicopter that uses that pad, but we're having trouble getting that info from the other controllers. Maybe they'll have something posted on the ground for you to see when you get there.
COAST GUARD 6556
That’s fine, so we’ll take a look. We appreciate it. We're overhead at this time.
COAST GUARD 6556
No problem, we'll take a look. Thanks for the help. We're directly above the site at this time.
TOWER
Life-flight 1, do you happen to know what the frequency is for the helipad over at Sacred Heart?
TOWER
Life-flight 1, do you happen to know the radio frequency for the helipad over at Sacred Heart hospital?
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
There is no common frequency that all helicopters use. We just pretty much monitor you all the way to the ground.
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
We don't have one single radio channel that every helicopter uses. We basically just keep listening to you controllers until we touch down.
TOWER
Okay, thanks. Life-flight 1, was there a military aircraft that landed at Sacred Heart recently?
TOWER
Got it, thanks. Life-flight 1, did you see a military helicopter land over at Sacred Heart hospital just now?
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Affirmative. We had a Coast Guard helicopter go in there. Their priority was reporting due to an inbound from a crash up to the north by Brewton. And they were asking us for a frequency on the ground there, so we've been doing some digging, can't find anything for it.
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Yes, sir. A Coast Guard helicopter just landed there. They were in a hurry because they're bringing in someone from a crash up north near Brewton. They were asking us what radio channel to use while on the hospital pad, but we’ve been looking and can’t find a specific one for them.
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Copy all. Yeah, otherwise then we just use the common helicopter frequency 123.025. But do you know if it was either a Dolphin or a Jayhawk?
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Understood. Usually, we just use the standard helicopter radio channel, 123.025. By the way, do you know if that was one of those smaller Dolphin helicopters or the bigger Jayhawks?
TOWER
A Dolphin.
TOWER
It was a Dolphin.
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Copy, thank you.
LIFE-FLIGHT 1
Got it, thank you.
TOWER
Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 6556, say again the call sign?
TOWER
Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 6556, could you repeat your flight name for me?
COAST GUARD 6556
Tower, this is Rescue 6556. Departing Sacred Heart, request to transition over to get fuel at either Heloworks or the FBO across the field there.
COAST GUARD 6556
Tower, this is Rescue 6556. We’re leaving the Sacred Heart hospital pad now and want to fly across the airport to get some fuel, either at the Heloworks hangar or the private flight center on the other side.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, Pensacola Tower, Roger. Departing Sacred Heart Hospital, and you can proceed direct to the Heloworks ramp. Landing at the Heloworks ramp is at your own risk. The winds at the airport are 250 at 9. Heloworks ramp for fuel there is just north of the approach end of Runway 8. You’ll see a couple fuel trucks and some hangars right there.
TOWER
Coast Guard 6556, this is Pensacola Tower, I hear you. Now that you're leaving Sacred Heart Hospital, you can fly straight to the Heloworks ramp. Since that's an uncontrolled area, landing there is at your own discretion. The winds at the airport are coming from the west at about 10 miles per hour. That fuel ramp is just north of the start of Runway 8; you’ll see a couple of fuel trucks and some hangars right there.
COAST GUARD 6556
We got it in sight. Roger. Just confirming that’s where we were supposed to go. We appreciate it.
COAST GUARD 6556
We see the spot. Understood. Just making sure that’s where we were supposed to head. We appreciate the help.
TOWER
No problem. Coast Guard 6556, did y'all ever figure out a frequency over there?
TOWER
No problem. Coast Guard 6556, did you guys ever find the right radio channel to talk to them over there?
COAST GUARD 6556
No, sir, we didn’t. We can call back to you on one. I apologize, I owe you that.
COAST GUARD 6556
No, sir, we didn’t. We can call you back on this channel once we have it. I apologize, I should have had that information for you.
TOWER
No, that's all right. It took about an hour for us to figure it out and we actually got two frequencies over there. The one we're kind of leaning towards is 123.025, and then we got 155.34 also, but not sure exactly what that one’s for.
TOWER
No, that's all right. It took us about an hour to track it down ourselves, and we actually found two radio channels for them. We think 123.025 is the main one, but we also found 155.34, though we aren't exactly sure what that second one is used for.
COAST GUARD 6556
Roger that, sir. Yeah, and they were ready for us. Pensacola Tracon did a good job getting us prepared. We appreciate it.
COAST GUARD 6556
Understood, sir. Yeah, and they were ready for us. The radar controllers did a good job getting us prepared for this. We appreciate it.
TOWER
Not a problem. Coast Guard 6556, are you still on an active mission right now or are you still responding to anything?
TOWER
Not a problem. Coast Guard 6556, are you still out on an active mission right now, or are you still responding to an emergency?
COAST GUARD 6556
No, sir. 6556, we're just going to get some fuel here and then back to Mobile.
COAST GUARD 6556
No, sir. 6556 is just going to grab some fuel here and then head back home to Mobile.
TOWER
Okay, Roger.
TOWER
Okay, I understand.
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