SEI Industries 1012, Operator'S Manual

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7
4.1 Flying with the Bambi Bucket
The Bambi Bucket should be flown in accordance with
United States Forest Service recommendations limiting
all helicopters, OTHER THAN TANDEM ROTOR, to a
maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo hook
operations.
We suggest building up speed slowly with the Bambi
Bucket on your helicopter, under the prevailing conditions,
to determine a safe maximum speed.
In order to reduce drag on the bucket when empty, it can
be flown in an open position by pressing the release
mechanism once while in forward flight.
4. FLYING THE BAMBI BUCKET
The dead weight of the load ensures different handling
characteristics than when flying empty. You will notice
that the Bambi Bucket does not ‘pulse’ or ‘throb’ under
load in flight.
Once the Bambi Bucket touches the water surface, it
immediately tips and sinks. This is a result of the ballast
on one side of the bucket which makes it unstable on the
water. You don’t have to tow the Bambi to make it sink.
IMPORTANT: When using the larger buckets, (Models
2024 and up) you may notice the dump valve does
not fully return after dumping. This is normal for the
larger model buckets. The valve will return as soon
as the bucket is immersed in water. To ensure the
valve is fully returned and locked, when filling, hit
the dump switch again when the suspension lines
are slack and before lifting out.
WARNING: When filling the Bambi, do not
execute an abrupt 90 degree pedal turn with
the helicopter close to the water while towing
the bucket. In this altitude, there is the danger
that the Bambi suspension lines (as with any
other external load) could get caught on a rear
skid resulting in a dynamic rollover on liftout.
This could cause personal injury and helicopter
damage. Check the load and suspension cables
with your mirrors before liftout.
5.1 Variable Fill Capability
The pilot can vary the bucket’s capacity by the speed at
which it is pulled from the water. As the submerged bucket
is lifted, water pressure bends the bucket shell and its
internal fiberglass battens outward, increasing the
bucket’s volume. The greater the pressure, the more
volume the bucket holds. That is:
A slow lift gives minimum fill.
A fast lift gives maximum fill.