Ice survival test

Press, 22 October 1980, Page 6

Ice survival test

Twelve Australians will be ferried to Antarctica this afternoon and left there — just out of reach of all base facilities.

The 12, given good weather, will arrive at McMurdo Station about 3.30 p.m. They will immediately be taken to Scott Base, briefed, then moved to an unspecified destination nearby. For four days they will live on their wits. They will be equipped with cold-weather survival clothing and a basic survival kit, but will he expected to make their own way in the Antarctic environment. This will mean building snow caves to sleep in, cooking, and some cravassing.

The public relations officer of the Royal Australian Air Force, Mr A. St J. Underwood, said that the expedition would be notable for the use of Australian aircraft. The R.A.A.F. had been involved in flights to the Antarctic for several years, but always by courtesy of New Zealand or American aircraft. Recently, however, the R.A.A.F. had bought 12 Hercules with CI3OH

range, making it possible for Australia to play a greater part in Antarctic programmes. The survival course was considered desirable training for aircrew in case of accident. ' Six Australian reporters , will accompany the “survivors” but will return on the first flight back, three hours after arrival. Mr Alvin Lawson, a freelance documentary film producer, will film the landing and briefing. He said yesterday he wanted to

stay but had not been able to get permission. Course members . range in. rank from sergeant to squadron leader; they a,re all air crew for future Antarctic flights., If all goes to plan, the men will be flown back to Christchurch in an American Starlifter on October 27, then home to Australia. Their exploits will precede them: Mr Lawson’s film is due to be shown on all Australian television networks.