Crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich., conduct hoist training with a 25-foot response boat in Lake Michigan, July 4, 2014.
Crews conduct hoist training on a regular basis to help maintain qualifications and certifications while on duty.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Traverse City/released)
Crew from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich., prepare to move a Dolphin helicopter onto the runway at the Cherry Capital Airport, June 16, 2014.
Crews perform routine maintenance before and after missions to maintain aircraft readiness.
(U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Traverse City/released)
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The crew of Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City is scheduled to conduct an annual standardization and certification visit beginning Monday and continuing through Oct. 2.In order to maintain readiness to conduct search-and-rescue operations on the lakes during dangerous weather conditions and perform other critical public services, Coast Guard air crews must constantly train to maintain an expert level of aviation and hoisting proficiency.Each year, every Coast Guard air station hosts instructors from the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, who check the unit's procedural knowledge and flight standardization. This training will require Coast Guard helicopter crews to fly at least four flights every day over East and West Bays, Bellaire's Antrim County Airport, Kalkaska Airport and at Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport.In addition, the crew of Air Station Traverse City will continue to maintain their regular search-and-rescue response during the two-week period.This evaluation period requires completion of maneuvers that can only be done at Cherry Capital Airport because of their on-site crash/rescue personnel. Some of the maneuvers will also require helicopters to fly at lower than normal altitudes for the local airport pattern.
We understand that this training period may be an inconvenience for some local residents who are not accustomed to the increased noise and activity, but this is absolutely necessary for our crews to maintain their lifesaving proficiency and capability.As always, the crew of Air Station Traverse City appreciates the tremendous support and understanding received by the community during these annual events.Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Lt. Cmdr. Pablo Smith, Air Station Traverse City public affairs officer, at 231-922-8273. During non-business hours, please contact the Air Station's operations desk at 231-922-8212.