Priority 1 Air Rescue

We're excited to have graduated 550+ USCG flight mechanics over the past 8 years!
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Priority 1 Air Rescue Marks Eight Years Training U.S. Coast Guard Flight Mechanics P1AR's USCG "C" School has become a core pipeline for mission-ready hoist operators flying MH-60 and MH-65 search-and-rescue missions nationwide

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Advancing Hoist Safety Through Collaboration & Innovation

Over the past two days, Priority 1 Air Rescue has had the privilege of hosting the European Safety Promotion Network – Rotorcraft (ESPN-R) Working Group at our Search and Rescue Tactical Training Academy in Bordeaux, France.

We brought together Subject Matter Experts from across the rotorcraft and Search & Rescue community to discuss opportunities to further enhance hoist operator training and safety across Europe.

🔹 Key discussions included:
Building foundational hoist skills through simulation — using Hoist Procedural Training Towers and Virtual Reality simulated training devices to provide new hoist operators with a strong foundation in procedures, communications, equipment operation, crew coordination, and decision-making before progressing to live-flight helicopter training.

Bridging simulation to live operations — developing training pathways where skills learned and demonstrated in simulated environments can prepare operators to enter the live helicopter environment with greater confidence and competence, allowing valuable flight-training time to focus on higher-level operational skills.

Developing recommendations for European hoist operators — sharing Subject Matter Expert knowledge and identifying opportunities for standardized, practical approaches to simulation-based hoist training across the European Union.

These conversations are an important part of building a shared approach to training, operational excellence, and safety promotion within the European rotorcraft community.

A big thank you to all the experts who contributed their knowledge, experience, and ideas. Together, we can continue to raise the standard for Search & Rescue hoist safety.

“Train the fundamentals in simulation. Validate and advance those skills in the aircraft.”

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Today we proudly celebrate 236 years of the United States Coast Guard and the extraordinary men and women who have answered the call to protect our nation's waters since 1790.

From daring search and rescue missions to safeguarding our coasts, enforcing maritime law, and responding when others cannot, the Coast Guard continues to embody its motto: Semper Paratus – Always Ready.

At Priority 1 Air Rescue, we are honored to support the training of the next generation of Coast Guard Search & Rescue professionals. Every day, we witness the professionalism, dedication, and selfless commitment that make the Coast Guard one of the world's premier lifesaving organizations.

To every Coast Guardsman—past and present—thank you for your unwavering service, sacrifice, and commitment to saving lives.

Happy 236th Birthday, U.S. Coast Guard!

Semper Paratus! 🇺🇸🚁⚓

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