Question 70 RVR03 - Mate of LT 500-1600 GRT

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for A (Allow the line to touch the deck to discharge the static electricity):** When helicopters use hoisting lines for transfers (such as during medevac operations), a significant build-up of static electricity occurs on the airframe and the line itself due to the friction of the rotor blades cutting through the air. If personnel attempt to grab the line before this static charge is grounded, they will receive a dangerous shock (sometimes referred to as "P-static" or precipitation static). The correct procedure is to allow the hoisting line (often referred to as the grounding wire or static wire) to touch a conductive part of the ship's deck or structure first. This grounds the line and dissipates the static electricity, making it safe for the receiving personnel to handle. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:** * **B) Secure the graining line to the deck railings:** This option uses the incorrect term "graining line" (it should be grounding line or hoisting line). More importantly, securing the hoisting line to the ship's railings is extremely dangerous. The hoist operator must be able to raise or lower the line freely; securing it creates a rigid connection between the ship and the helicopter, which could lead to severe structural damage to the helicopter, the ship, or catastrophic failure of the line if the aircraft moves unexpectedly or the hoist cable is mistakenly tensioned. * **C) A tag line is required to be attached to the hoist cable for securing:** A tag line (or hauling line) is required for controlling the movement of the basket or litter *once it is lowered* to prevent it from swinging dangerously. However, it is never attached directly to the main hoist cable for the purpose of *securing* it. The primary function of the tag line is maneuvering the payload, not securing the main cable. * **D) As a safety measure wrap the line around the patient before attaching it to the basket:** This is completely incorrect and highly dangerous. The hoisting line must attach directly to the approved hoisting device (e.g., the rescue basket, strop, or harness). Wrapping the hoist line around the patient offers no safety benefit, could cause injury, and prevents the proper functioning of the rescue equipment. The patient's security depends entirely on the correct use of the basket/strop/harness itself.