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

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