USCG contracts P1AR for training

The US Coast Guard has contracted search and rescue training specialists Priority 1 Air Rescue (P1AR) to provide hoist operator training to flight mechanic aircrew operating the MH-65 D/E and MH-60T helicopters.

The contract will see P1AR train around 475-600 students over a five-year period. It will provide instructor led beginner to advanced level helicopter hoist operator training. Participating Coast Guard flight mechanics will be given ground school instruction, practise with coast guard-specific SAR equipment and complete hoist procedural tower and synthetic training using a virtual hoist simulator at the P1AR Search and Rescue Tactical Training Academy in Mesa, Arizona, US.

P1AR will also provide a customised training programme, including eLearning and computer-based training, training guides and workbooks, interactive learning, and student training information management systems and support.

The P1AR simulation system, including a virtual hoist simulator, will also assist with tackling the broad range of SAR missions that the USCG has to tackle.