Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has a fleet of Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings known as Air Rescue 5. The Search and Rescue team that I am a part of is the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Cave Rescue Team, and although we also have a fleet of helicopters, including a Sikorsky which is basically grounded, we often call on LACSD’s Air 5 to help with extractions and insertions into the field. In my 2+ years with the team, I hadn’t had a chance to ride in a helicopter until yesterday. It was really fun riding down the hoist cable of a massive hovering helicopter. I wrote more about my experience and the search in general here on my blog.
Update When I was googling for more information about Rescue 5, I noticed that there isn’t a website (that google found) specifically for the Air Rescue 5 team (hint hint). Also LACSD could use a blog!
Update 2 They found him and he is ok!
helicopter rides are the BEST.THING.EVER.
I can’t imagine how awesome floating around in that huge Sea King must’ve been though. Wow.
Jesus, is this a great shot!
I got to ride in the Rescue 5 chopper a few years ago. It’s AWESOME!!!
Nice, were you rescued? What happened?
According to Wikipedia, LA Sheriff’s has three Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings. Where (what airport)do they hanger them? I’ve never seen them hangered.
I have no idea… they picked us up at the lower parking lot near the tram stop.