VUW

Most helicopter operations conducted in support of our event were completely satisfactory. The only exception to this was the delay caused by the crash of the 3-Squadron helicopter. This unfortunate event resulted in a one week delay in transporting two event members to our field site and the relocation of another member to a different event.

Univ. of Amsterdam

The helicopter crash which took place nearly jeopardised my field season at Taylor Valley, which, if that had been the case, would have been both frustrating and potentially detrimental to my PhD. Regardless the crash had it's hidden benefits, as I needed to page break work very hard for three days so to produce a week's worth of research (as I originally planned to do). Having achieved this in three days, I had an unexpected two days in Taylor Valley owed to poor weather. This provided me the opportunity to visit and sample from Suess glacier.

All other helicopter operations were fine. I would like Antarctica New Zealand to encourage pilots who are dropping off events at a field site for the first time to shut down whilst the members orientate themselves and test the radio equipment. K042 were fine, but I hear it is not always consistent practise.

Describe the containerisation of cargo, total flight weights, special handling of dangerous cargo, (eg motor toboggan, fuel tanks) and pre-planning meetings.

Cargo for our helo flights was largely contained in individual boxes and packs. No special handling of cargo was necessary because the only dangerous cargo we had was fuel which was stored in the tail section of the helo except for 60 L drums. Total flight weights (estimated from weights given in the ANZ field manual and probably accurate to within 150 lbs.) are as follows: (Note: this list does not include a flight which came in after Helo 4 to supply cargo which was mistakenly not included on Helo 4.)

• Helo 1 (20/11/99 - Insertion), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1600 lbs.
• Helo 2 (06/12/99 - resupply 1), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1300 lbs.
• Helo 3 (14/12/99 - resupply 2), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1470 lbs.
• Helo 4 (18/12/99 - resupply 3), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1200 lbs.
• Helo 5 (20/01/00 - partial pullout), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1600 lbs.
• Helo 6 (21/01/00 - final pullout), aircraft - Bell 212, approx. weight 1600 lbs.

As appropriate, detail the suitability of any skiways used. Clearly mark these on your report map and provide GPS coordinates where possible.

No skiways were used.

iii	Ship Operations.

No ships were used except to transport rock samples to New Zealand at the close of the season.