CONTROLLED SURVIVAL - HUET

Controlled Survival - HUET: Helicopter and Aircraft Underwater Escape (Second Edition)

When an aircraft enters the water, survival is determined in seconds.

In many helicopter and aircraft ditching accidents, occupants survive the impact but fail to escape the submerged aircraft. Disorientation, cold shock, panic and incorrect actions quickly consume the limited time available.

Controlled Survival - HUET presents a practical and operational approach to underwater escape, cold-water survival and post-ditch decision-making.

This fully revised Second Edition introduces the concept of Controlled Survival-a structured method based on preparation, sequence and recent training. Through real accident case studies, instructor insights and decades of operational experience, the book explains what actually determines who gets out and who does not.

Topics include:

• Impact and brace position
• Disorientation and panic under water
• Cold shock and the urge to breathe
• The Reference-Release-Exit system
• Survival during the first 30 seconds
• The most common fatal mistakes
• Passenger survival factors
• Equipment and flotation systems
• Instructor and safety diver perspectives
• Advanced training beyond standard HUET

Drawing on experience from naval, maritime and offshore training environments, Captain Rolf Karlsson provides a realistic and practical guide for pilots, aircrew, offshore personnel, instructors and training organisations worldwide.

Survival in water is procedural. And procedure must be trained until it becomes instinct.