August 2004
Safety Around Helicopters
Contribute to a Successful Flight
- be reasonable in your requests
- support the pilot's safety decisions
- know
- how to embark and disembark
- inflight and ground procedures
- location and use of safety and survival equipment
- emergency procedures
- what is expected of you on the flight
On the Ground
- dress for the weather
- inform the pilot of
- your baggage weight
- applicable medical problems
- susceptibility to motion sickness
- don't smoke in or around the helicopter
- stay well to the side of the helipad when the helicopter is arriving or departing
- secure your clothing and headgear against rotor winds
- protect your eyes against blown dust and particles
- keep the helipad clear
- wait for instructions to approach or leave the helicopter
- approach and leave to the side or front in a crouched position - never by the rear of the helicopter
- if you can, wait until the rotors stop turning
- approach and leave by the downslope side - for rotor clearance
- carry gear firmly at your side, never over your shoulder or above your head
- never throw items towards or out of a helicopters
- load cargo carefully and secure it against movement
- ensure baggage compartment doors are properly closed and latched
- take a reserve of special medications you require in the event of enroute delays
In the Helicopter
- secure seatbelts (and shoulder straps, if provided) while in flight
- use helmet or headset if provided
- remain in your seat unless given permission to move
- do not distract the pilot during takeoff, manoeuvering or landing
- read instructions on the operation of doors, emergency exits, and the location of the ELT (emergency locator transmitter) and emergency equipment
During an Emergency
- follow instructions
- do not distract the pilot
- check that any loose gear in the cabin is secured
- wear helmet if provided
- remove eye glasses and put into your pocket (you might need them later)
- assume brace position
- tighten seatbelt
- with shoulder straps, tighten and sit upright, knees together, arms folded across chest
- without shoulder straps, bend forward so chest is on your lap, head on knees, arms folded under thighs
After an Emergency Landing
- wait for instructions to exit, or until rotor stops turning
- assist others to evacuate well clear of the aircraft
- remove first aid kit and other emergency equipment after no threat of fire
- administer first aid if required
- remove ELT, read instructions and activate
- set up camp to be as comfortable as possible
- make the site as conspicuous as possible from the air
- stay near the aircraft - don't wander away from the site
Always remember that help is on its way
When Flying Over Water
- listen carefully to the pilot's overwater pre-flight briefing
- wear a lifejacket and/or immersion suit
- know seatbelt fastening, tightening, releasing procedures
- know the location and operation of doors and emergency exits
- know the location and operation of the ELT
- during an emergency
- obey the pilot's ditching instructions
- remove tie, loosen collar
- assume brace position when advised by the pilot
- wait for instructions to exit, or until rotor stops turning
- after a ditching
- establish a reference position
- release seat belt
- inflate lifejacket and liferaft when clear of helicopter
Is your helicopter multi-engine and/or float equipped for overwater operations? In Canada, single-engine helicopters are not approved for operations beyond gliding distance from land unless float equipped.