More Coast Guard Helicopter Photos

I was pleased at the ready availability of the defibrillator.

So Matt (the Eagle) got to sit RIGHT BY the open door. Good thing he has Eagle Powers.

The pilot gave us a nice briefing ahead of time making us feel important and telling us we're part of the crew and need to watch for other aircraft and stuff. We also got instructions on how, when one of these "planes" (as they like to call it in the biz) goes down in the water, it's so top-heavy that it rolls over. It's important to keep belted in until it rolls. Keep your eyes fixed on a reference point so you can keep oriented as you get out. Also, don't inflate your life vest too soon. It really set us at ease. :-)


"No, Matt, you DON'T get to sit over there. That's where your dad gets to sit. You're young and expendable, so you'll be sitting over here by me!" (he's the guy that's strapped in a lanyard thing and hangs in the doorway to run the hoist and stuff).