Safety Precautions in and Around a Helicopter
Last year, I was in New York for a couple of days on work. With very little time to see the famous landmarks, I took a sightseeing helicopter tour of NYC and Manhattan. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
At the same time, it is important to ensure safety on any mode of transport.In 2017, there were almost 121 helicopter accidents, of which 20 were fatal,leading to 34 deaths, according to a survey report on Fox News. But that shouldn’t discourage you from taking a helicopter ride. The accidents are the exception. The ride itself can be thrilling. All you need to do is ensure some safety precautions.
How to Keep Yourself Safe Before and During a Helicopter Tour
1. Pay Attention to the Instructions: The pilot in command gives all the necessary instructions about the dos and don’ts of a helicopter ride, before the engine starts. They will tell you when to enter and exit, whether you can move around inside, to be cautious about approaching from the front due to the tail rotor being hazardous, wearing earmuffs and earplugs and so on. If you are flying with a child, it is advisable to talk to them honestly and answer all the questions they have before getting on the helicopter, says an article by Liberty Helicopters.
2. Keep Your Belongings Secure:All your personal belongings, such as caps, sticks, handkerchiefs,or any other loose item should be kept securely. It is best to avoid anything at eye level because there are high chances that it might blow away. However, even after all the precautions, if something does begin to fly away, don’t chase it. It is best to let go, otherwise, you might just get injured.
3. Check Your Movements: Keep a distance from the helicopter unless your pilot has instructed you to come near it. When the signal is green, approach the helicopter from the front so that you are clearly visible to the pilot. If the rotors are about to be turned on, walk towards the aircraft while bending low and allow extra distance between you and the rotor, even for helicopters like the BO-105 and BK-117.
4. Listen to the Emergency Instructions: An emergency situation might arise unexpectedly almost anywhere. But, the safety instructions provided also include precautions for such times. You need to be well aware of the body positions that will protect your spinal cord against high vertical impact landing. Make sure you also know where the safety equipment, such as like fire extinguishers, safety toolbox, etc., are kept. Locate the Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB) too for turbulent times.
5. No Smoking at Any Cost: Do not smoke within 50 feet of the helicopter. However, it might be permitted on the discretion of the pilot, except during takeoff or landing, ground operations and while carrying hazardous materials.
A helicopter ride is an adventure of a lifetime. However, you must treat every ride as if it is your first one because it is always better to be safe than sorry, and just because something didn’t happen last time, doesn’t mean it can’t happen this time, according to a blogpost by HeliCourse.com.
