Section 4: Flight Operations
Flying the Bambi Bucket
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 11
Section 4: Flight Operations
Flying the Bambi Bucket
The Bambi bucket should be flown in accordance with the United States Forest Service recommendations
limiting all helicopters, other than tandem rotor, to a maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo
hook operations. The recommended never exceed speed (VNE) for the Bambi bucket is 80 KIAS, however,
this is not a flight manual limitation. Speeds above 80 KIAS should be approached with caution and any
decision to exceed this speed should be based on flight characteristics, aircraft flight manual limitations, air-
craft/bucket configuration and load stability, etc. Any change that exceeds our recommendation should be
formally authorized in your company’s external load specifications.
A suggested flight procedure is to build up speed slowly with the Bambi bucket, under prevailing conditions,
to determine a safe maximum flying speed. In order to reduce drag on the bucket when empty, it can be
flown in a valve open position by pressing the release mechanism once while in forward flight. The dead
weight of the load ensures different handling characteristics than when flying empty. As a result, the Bambi
bucket does not ‘pulse’ or ‘throb’ under load in flight.
Filling the Bucket
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. A Bambi bucket does not have to be towed
to make it sink.
Important Note
Bambi buckets can operate in any atmospheric conditions where icing conditions are not present.
If icing conditions are encountered during operations, in flight or on the ground, SEI cannot guar-
antee the reliable operation of the valve actuating mechanisms nor related components. Operating
the Bambi bucket at 0
°C or below may have adverse effects on the operation of the bucket and also
to the fabrics used in its manufacture. Please refer to the Bambi bucket operations manual for in-
formation related to proper storage.
Warning
When filling the Bambi bucket, do not execute an abrupt 90 degree pedal turn with the helicopter
close to the water while towing the bucket. While filling, there is a danger that the Bambi bucket
suspension lines (as with any other external load) could get caught on a rear skid resulting in a dy-
namic rollover on liftout. This could cause personal injury and helicopter damage. Check the load
and suspension cables with your mirrors before liftout.
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