The Coast Guard had donated the helicopter to the school in 1989 ... pedals had been buffed to a smooth dull finish from years of pilots’ flight boots,” says Siemens.

50-caliber shoulder-fired precision weapon Crew: 2 pilots, 1 flight mechanic, 1 rescue swimmer The H-65 helicopter built by Eurocopter America is the U.S. Coast Guard's primary rescue helicopter.

On the other end of the cable, 300 feet ahead and 30 feet up, was a bright yellow Coast Guard helicopter ... It was mandatory that the pilot keep the cable and tow in sight.” ...