The 160th is made up of several elements to ensure it runs as effectively and smoothly as possible. Each role is essential in ensuring we stay operational. No role is more important than any other and every member is valued.
Pilot: As obvious as it's stated, this role is responsible for flying the aircraft and ensuring his or her aircraft is maintained and ready to roll at a moments notice. In addition to this position, the copilot is as equally important as the pilot. The copilot assists the pilot by lessening his or her load by observing the terrain, managing communications inside and outside of the aircraft, managing personnel, and being ready to take control of the aircraft in an emergency situation.
The crew chief is an important role within any transport aircraft. in addition to manning a door gun, the crew chief observes rotor blade clearance, prepares ropes for fast roping, prepares cargo for paradrops, communicates the pilots intentions to the passengers on board, and guides the pilot during low visibility situations. Typically, this member is a higher enlisted non-commissioned officer, although he may also be a Chief Warrant Officer, leaving room for promotions.
The 160th is known for its advanced flight techniques, making it one of the most prestigious rotary units in the United States Army, however theres something that goes on behind the scenes that few see, and thats the ground operations team. This team is critical to the success of the unit because they refuel, rearm, and repair our helicopters, keeping the entire unit operational. Without a good ground crew, any aviation unit will cease to be able to operate the moment a helicopter lands, due to lack of armament, fuel, or because of critical damage.
With every aviation unit comes the MEDEVAC chopper. Within every Dust-off, medical personnel are prepared to aid any wounded, a critical step in ensuring the survival of ground forces following a traumatic and unfortunate event. Be it an ARMA moment, or an insurgent with an AK, Dust-off Medics are on constant standby, waiting to assist ground forces with any wounded they may have. These medics also have dedicated Security Forces attached to them, to ensure their safety, and the safety of their patients.
Last, but certainly not least, the Air Traffic Controller is responsible for maintaining the airfield and the airspace surrounding it. From instructing pilots on their taxiways to walking through pilots to LZ's as a middle man, the ATC is there. The moment a pilot steps foot in their chopper, they become ATC's responsibility until they exit the respective airspace. Through established protocols, rapid enforcement of said protocols, and ensuring the safety of anyone at the airfield, the ATC gets the 160th rolling.
Search and Rescue personnel are a critical piece of the 160th. We've all been there. Alarms dinging in the cockpit, rotors slowing down, and a rather rough landing later, a pilot is now in enemy territory. Whenever a pilot is shot down, or the aircraft suffers a catastrophic failure and the pilot is forces to make an emergency landing, the Search and Rescue team rolls out of the gates, headed to the crash site.Tasked with returning downed pilots or demolishing crashed helicopters, the S&R team is an important aspect of any aviation unit.
