It is critical for a helicopter pilot to know the wind direction when approaching a landing site. This is more challenging when landing at unprepared landing sites where conventional aids like windsocks are not available.
Smoke grenades are often used under these circumstances, for example on the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Smoke grenades are expensive, can only be used once and often cause fires. They are unavailable to the general public and you need training to use them. Smoke grenades are bulky, heavy and have a limited shelf life.
The alternative is a WIHLS™, a patented wind indicator designed for use at unprepared helicopter landing sites.
There is no other product like it
No special training is required to use a WIHLS
Indicates wind direction from speeds as low as 5 knots
Highly visible and can also be used to indicate position
WIHLS can be used multiple times
Fits into your pocket
The WIHLS™ is ideal for use by emergency services, the military and law enforcement agencies. It can also be used as a survival aid or wherever helicopter operations take place.
The WIHLS™ is manufactured from technically engineered, single weave, rip stop nylon. To prevent fraying, the fabric is cut by using a special technique. Seams are not required, which makes the WIHLS™ lighter. The fabric only weighs 45g per square meter and is bright orange in colour for increased visibility.
Orange was also chosen because of its association with windsocks and because emergency services personnel normally wear bright yellow clothing.
It has a special coating which reduces air permeability to zero and prevents moisture absorption. This makes it more effective in light wind conditions and also makes it easy to clean.
The WIHLS™ has been designed to indicate wind direction from speeds as low as 5 knots. A light breeze is classified as having a wind speed of between 4 and 6 knots on the Beaufort Wind Force Scale (Number 2 on the Beaufort Scale).
The WIHLS™ is attached to the wrist to prevent it from being blown away by downwash from the helicopter. It has an instruction card which also illustrates the safe and danger areas around a helicopter.
A high quality canvas pouch is supplied with each WIHLS™. The pouch has a paracord loop for attachment to backpacks, jump bags or uniform. It can be easily opened, even if you are wearing bulky rescue gloves and it’s also easy to clean.
EJ Swart trained as an Advance Life Support Paramedic.
Practicing Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Care for more than 14 years.
Active Senior Flight Paramedic since 2008 with more than 1000 mission hours.
Developed an Aviation Health Care Program for HEMS operations in Africa.
Enthusiastically involved in the training and education of Emergency Care Personnel working in the aviation environment.
A founding member of the WHILS team is dedicated to developing and promoting aviation, emergency, and tactical safety during operations.
Jan Meiring is a helicopter pilot with more than 25 years of flying experience. He received his training in the South African Air Force. Most of his experience was gained in the South African Air Force, where he took part in various types of missions. These included Search and Rescue missions and Medical Evacuations.
He has also taken part in many combined exercises and missions with organisations like the Mountain Club of South Africa, the South African Police Service and various military units (South African and foreign).
He was also employed in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service environment for more than 10 years.
083 457 8255
WIHLS™ & Co Survival Equipment is the supplier of WIHLS™ wind indicators for use in helicopter operations and also as a survival aid.
Ten WIHLS™ units were donated to the Mountain Club of South Africa(MCSA) on 10 October 2014. They were received by Mr Rob Thomas, who is the national convenor for MCSA Search and Rescue. These units will be used by MCSA during helicopter rescues.
WIHLS™ & Co has also donated three WIHLS™ units to Life Rosepark Hospital. These will be used by the Advanced Life Support Paramedics who drive the Life Rosepark response vehicles.