SEI Industries 6072 User manual
BAMBI BUCKET
(all MODElS)
opErATIons
MAnUAL
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F)
BAMBI BUCKET OPERATIONS MANUAL - Version F
Issue Date: June 2011
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING.
SEI INDUSTRIES LTD.
7400 Wilson Avenue
Delta, B.C. Canada
V4G 1E5
Phone: (604) 946-3131
Fax: (604) 940-9566
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sei-ind.com
COPYRIGHT © 2006 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN CANADA
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F)
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi Bucket 1
Overview (All Models) ...................................................................................................1
Section 2: Preflight Safety Check 2
Safety Checklist ............................................................................................................2
Bambi System Drawing.................................................................................................3
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket 4
Deployment Instructions ...............................................................................................4
Attaching to the Cargo Hook ..........................................................................4
Control Head Orientation (Models 6072-4453 only) .......................................4
Control Head Operation ..................................................................................6
Connecting Power ..........................................................................................6
Checking Suspension Cable Length ..............................................................7
Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging ..........................................................8
Shorter Suspension Cables ............................................................................9
Instant Deployment System (IDS) ..............................................................................10
Section 4: Flight Operations 11
Flying the Bambi Bucket .............................................................................................11
Filling the Bucket ........................................................................................................11
Variable Fill Capability ..................................................................................12
Cinch Strap ...................................................................................................13
High Elevation Operations ............................................................................13
Using the Firesock ......................................................................................................14
Dumping the Bucket ...................................................................................................15
Introduction ...................................................................................................15
Dump Pattern ...............................................................................................15
Dump Speed .................................................................................................15
Landing .......................................................................................................................16
Section 5: Packing and Storage 17
Packing and Storing ...................................................................................................17
Packing the Bucket .......................................................................................17
Section 6: Specifications and Parts 21
Capacity and Weight Specifications ...........................................................................21
Section 7: Warranty 23
Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi Bucket Overview (All Models)
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 1
Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi Bucket
Overview (All Models)
This manual provides helicopter operators with information on the operation of the Bambi bucket. For serv-
ice and maintenance information, please refer to the separate service manual for your specific bucket model
number.
Since its introduction in 1983, the Bambi bucket has become
the preferred means of helicopter fire fighting for more than
600 companies and agencies worldwide. This universal in-
dustry acceptance is the result of the Bambi bucket’s effec-
tiveness, reliability, simplicity and ease of use.
There are several models of buckets available as well as a
number of accessories and enhancements including the
Aqualanche valve, the Torrentula valve, the Powerfill Torren-
tula system and the Powerfill Snorkel system.
The operation of the Bambi bucket can be quickly mastered
by operators with no previous experience and the bucket re-
quires no pre-assembly.
Once airborne, the operator can easily become familiar with
the flight characteristics of the bucket. Several test fills will
also provide familiarity with the variable-fill capability of the
bucket.
Please read this manual prior to flying the bucket, particularly
the sections on deploying, filling and dumping. For your own protection, and for longer bucket life, always
read the instructions and warnings. Ignoring these warnings could result in personal injury, bucket damage
or aircraft damage.
SEI Industries Ltd. offers complete parts supply and repair services for the Bambi bucket. For a repair fa-
cility in your area, please contact SEI. For maintenance and repair purposes, parts diagrams and descriptions
are provided in a separate service manual (specific to your model). When ordering parts, please provide the
model and serial number of your Bambi bucket.
For more copies of this manual, please contact SEI or visit our website at www.bambibucket.com for more
information on these products.
Cut away view of standard Bambi bucket.
Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 2
Section 2: Preflight Safety Check
Safety Checklist
Along with the aircraft, the Bambi bucket should also receive a preflight inspection each day. Follow the
checklist below, beginning at the bottom of the bucket and working upwards.
1. Check the bottom chain looking for any tears in the fabric straps. Also, check the lockwire or tie
wraps on the shackles.
2. Check for loose bolts around the bucket shell; IDS brackets at the top, cinch strap brackets at the
midpoint and the wear strips at the bottom.
3. Check the diagonal M-straps that connect the suspension cables to the top of the bucket, looking
for signs of wear or incorrect suspension line connections.
4. Check the purse lines on the dump valve. Frayed lines should be replaced. Do not wait for a line
to break before replacing it.
5. Check the cinch strap, ensuring it is at the correct percentage.
6. Check the suspension cables for frays, kinks or loose swages.
7. Check that the ballast is securely attached. Full ballast is essential for safe operations.
8. Check the control head for secure fittings. Never operate the bucket with the control head cover
removed.
9. Check solenoid operation by activating it several times.
10. Activate the head with 24 volts to release the catch, then pull the tripline cable to full extension
from the control head, checking for kinks, frays or loose swages.
Important Note
When releasing the tripline, the head must be upright at no less than a 60-degree angle.
Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 3
Bambi Bucket Drawing
Cinch Strap
Brackets
Control Head
Trip Line
Fittings
Suspension Lines
Tri
p
Line
Shackle
M Straps
Purse Lines
Side Battens
Wear Strips or
Fabric Strips
Bottom Chain
Dump Valve
Valve Bolts
Cinch Strap
(Cinchstrap on
largermodels will
be external.)
Purse Strin
g
s
Ballast Pouch
IDS Assembl
y
IDS Brackets
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 4
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket
Deployment Instructions
Attaching to the Cargo Hook
Control Head Orientation (Models 6072-4453 only)
The Bambi bucket is rigged for a lateral cargo hook. Correct attachment is indicated when the name plate
on the control head faces forward in flight. This ensures that the ballast on the Bambi will face forward in
flight.
If your helicopter has a longitudinal hook, rotate the shackle yoke unit at the top of the head by 90 degrees.
This will place the name plate on the control head forward in flight.
For this style of head, if using a swivel hook, always operate in the locked position to assure that the ballast
is always facing forward in flight.
Caution
The Bambi bucket may not be suitable for a direct hook-up to the cargo hook. The actual hook-
up will be different for various aircraft and operators must comply with all instructions and bulle-
tins supplied by the aircraft manufacturer. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the Bam-
bi bucket is correctly fitted to the helicopter.
Caution
It is important that the ballast faces forward in flight. This will avoid twisting of the suspension
lines and possible jamming of the tripline.
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 5
The control head, used on models 6072-4453, has a moveable
yoke which can be rotated by 90 degrees. The yoke is ma-
chined to orient in either direction.
In some cases, where the cargo hook is too large for the standard shackle, a second larger shackle can be
used.
Important Note
If you are using a swivel with an electrical connection, it is acceptable for the bucket to be flown
without the ballast facing forward. The Bambi bucket has been tested with some swivels and per-
forms very well despite rotating in flight. The swivel also prevents the suspension lines from
twisting up after dipping the bucket.
Hole used when
rotating head.
Warning
When a second shackle is used to turn the bucket 90 degrees, choose a shackle that is close to the
same size as the shackle on the head. If a larger shackle is used, as shown in the photo below, it
may cause the power cable to tangle in the shackle, pulling apart the break-away plug.
If the shackle is too
large, it may cause the
power cable to tangle,
pulling apart the break-
away plug.
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 6
Control Head Orientation (Models 5566-HL9800 only)
For these models, it may be necessary to use a second shack-
le to rotate the bucket 90 degrees.
Control Head Operation
Connecting Power
The Bambi bucket’s electrical supply is connected through a breakaway plug. The purpose of the plug is to
offer a clean “breakaway” if the Bambi bucket has to be jettisoned from the aircraft in an emergency. It is
suggested that the plug be lightly taped together with vinyl tape, while in use, to ensure that wind action does
not separate the plug. If the control cable is not secured to the longline, duct tape should be wrapped every
24-36" to prevent any damage to the cable.
Warning
Do not remove the cover on the control headwhile operating the Bambi bucket. Part of the tripline
safety keeper is cast into the control head cover. With the cover removed, this safety feature is no
longer functional. Without the safety keeper functioning, a separated tripline could cause a tail
rotor strike which could result in severe injury or death and/or helicopter damage.
Important Note
To operate the solenoid and release the water, a momentary contact switch is used. The solenoid
has a 10% duty cycle (designed to not be operated more than 10% of the time). Operating the so-
lenoid continuously will result in solenoid failure.
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
Bambi Bucket Operations Manual (Version F) 7
Checking Suspension Cable Length
Overall lengths of Bambi buckets with standard rigging are provided on the next page of this manual. Before
using the Bambi bucket, check for the maximum total length. To determine this length, measure the distance
from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on the helicopter you will be using and subtract 6” (152
mm).
To determine overall bucket length:
1. Stretch out the bucket on the ground; secure the control head.
2. Pull out the dump valve fully, pulling taut to ensure the suspension cables are straight.
Warning
Using a Bambi bucket with a greater overall length than the distance from
the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on your helicopter could re-
sult in a tail rotor strike and possible loss of control of the helicopter which
could result in injury or death.
Measuring the bucket. If a Firesock is to be used, attach first and
then measure to the bottom of the sock. See Section 4: Flight Op-
erations for information on how to use the Firesock.
This manual suits for next models
27
Table of contents
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