SEI Industries Bambi Bucket BB1012, Operation Manual, Page: 17 / 32

Section 4: Flight Operations
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual 12
Dumping the Bucket
To dump water from the bucket, simply push and release the dump switch. The weight of the water
inside the bucket will cause the fabric dump valve to turn inside-out through the bottom of the bucket,
giving obstruction-free passage to the escaping water and producing the best possible dump pattern.
Dump Pattern
The dump pattern is affected by height and airspeed. It is most concentrated at lower altitudes and at a
hover. The pattern will spread with height and speed. Most operators take advantage of these
characteristics to maximize their assault on the fire line.
Make dumps at slower speeds before progressing to faster dumps to get familiar with the flight
characteristics, while dumping, from your particular helicopter.
WARNING
Ensure that ground personnel are clear from the dumping zone. Failure to do so could result in serious
personal injury.
Valve Reset
After all of the water has exited the bucket, the dump valve will automatically retract and reset for the
next fill.
NOTICE
When dumping larger buckets (models 2024 and up), the dump valve may not fully retract and lock
immediately after the bucket is emptied. The valve will retract and lock as soon as the bucket is
immersed again in water during the next dip cycle.
If the valve fails to reset when filling, hit the dump switch again when the suspension lines are slack
before lifting out.