what is short hauling?

[APE]

I've been reading issues of Accidents in North American Mountaineering (for the education or for the schadenfreude?) and I've seen several references to "short hauling."

 

What is that?

[rob]

That's when a rescuer is lowered from a hovering helicopter and attaches a harness or litter basket to the Subject and the helicopter lifts both of them to safety a short distance away without bringing the subject or rescuer back up to the helicopter -- they dangle beneath the helicopter as it flies somewhere safer.

[APE]

Thanks!

[ScaredSilly]

That's when a rescuer is lowered from a hovering helicopter and attaches a harness or litter basket to the Subject and the helicopter lifts both of them to safety a short distance away without bringing the subject or rescuer back up to the helicopter -- they dangle beneath the helicopter as it flies somewhere safer.

 

It is not necessary that a rescuer or litter be involved. Merely that the rescued be picked up and not be brought into the helicopter.

 

Speaking from experience it is a fun albeit short ride