Helicopter Safety

When you receive your license and certification to fly a helicopter you are extensively tested on safety procedures. Much of the written test is dedicated to safety and procedures in emergency situations. This is to ensure your ability to fly safely and keep those that ride with you safe as well.

Helipad Safety

Helipads provide safety by giving a designated place for helicopters to land, ensuring that there will be an area clear. This also saves people in the crowd from harm and from being scared. To keep the helipad safe, do not approach or cross the field unless it is necessary. Do not approach landed helicopters unless you have been trained how. This will keep you and other bystanders safe.

Helicopter Safety

Helicopters need to be kept in good working order at all times. If something goes wrong, it can lead to the deaths of many people. This is why the FAA regulates helicopter repair stations so stringently and the pre-flight checklist. If the helicopter isn't safe, then the pilot and passengers aren't safe, and everyone walking or riding under the helicopter aren't safe either.

Passenger Safety

Passengers need to know how to be safe while riding in a helicopter, while approaching a helicopter, and while exiting a helicopter. However, there are some lesser known things that should be known by those looking to board a helicopter in a private flight. The pilot should instruct you on them, but if he doesn't, then you should ask these questions to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the other passengers.

• How do I use the seat belt?
  
• Where is the first aid kit?
  
• How do I safely exit the helicopter while the rotors are turning or the engine is running?
  
• What do we do in a forced landing?
  
• How does the emergency exit work?
  
• How do I approach a helicopter that is running with the rotors turning?

This will keep you safe in the event of an emergency and while you are on the helicopter. Remember that it is your life at stake and that you should ask questions, no matter how stupid they may seem, to ensure that you remain safe. Safety should be the most important objective of your pilot. If not, do not ride in his aircraft.

To ensure that the pilot is able to keep you safe, you should follow these passenger guidelines.

• Obey the instructions of the pilot.
  
• Do not distract the pilot during times where intense concentration is needed.
  
• Do not obstruct or touch the flight controls.