Why do people duck when leaving a helicopter?
Why do people duck when leaving a helicopter? THE ROTOR SYSTEM OF THE HELICOPTER It is good practice to crouch while exiting the helicopter if the rotors are turning. Many helicopter rotor systems can dip well below 6 feet from the ground level, which can potentially contact a person or object on the ground.
What should you never do around a helicopter or aircraft?
Never approach or leave a helicopter when its engine and rotors are running down or starting up. Crouch while walking for extra rotor clearance. Secure any loose articles such as hats and ensure your pockets are zipped up. Never reach up or chase after anything that blows away.
Do you call a helicopter pilot captain?
The pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft is the person aboard an aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety during flight. This would be the captain in a typical two- or three-pilot aircrew, or pilot if there is only one certificated and qualified pilot at the controls of an aircraft.
Why do helicopter captains sit in the right seat?
Interestingly, the tradition of seating captains on the left-hand side does not apply to helicopters. According to Smithsonian Magazine, sitting on the right-hand side is common (but not universal) practice as it allows the pilot in command to keep their right hand on the aircraft's sensitive cyclic control stick.
Do you need to crouch when leaving a helicopter?
It is good practice to crouch while exiting the helicopter if the rotors are turning. Many helicopter rotor systems can dip well below 6 feet from the ground level, which can potentially contact a person or object on the ground.
Do you approach a helicopter uphill or downhill?
General Helicopter Safety Rules: Never approach or depart from the rear of the helicopter - approach from the front. Never walk around the tail rotor. Never rush. If the helicopter is on a sloped surface, approach from the downhill side, never from the uphill side due to the angle of the rotor.
Why do you keep your head down when exiting a helicopter?
The blades would hit you. It's a safety margin, if the blades flop around from a big gust of wind, you're further from the blades.
Should you approach a helicopter from the front?
The flight crew will come to you. Unless there is a landing mishap, NEVER approach the helicopter unless accompanied by a member of the flight crew. ALWAYS approach the helicopter from the front. All personnel must receive a thumbs up from the pilot prior to walking under the turning main rotor blades.
Why do ground crew salute the pilot?
The Launch Salute A silent conversation, call and response, and sign of respect: this is a salute. The launch salute highlights the unspoken bond between ground crew and aircrew. One common motion that echoes trust, camaraderie and dedication to national security. This salute is where sustainment is personified.
What is not allowed on a helicopter?
Objects and substances prohibited for air transportation include weapons, explosives, flammable substances, as well as items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons – so-called “dual use items.” You may not bring such items through security checkpoints without authorization.
Why do pilots always sit on the left?
Sitting on the left side of the cockpit, the PIC has a better view of the runway during traffic patterns to the left. The left-turning tendencies caused by P-factor, a symmetrical thrust, spiraling slipstream, and torque make it easier for the airplane to turn to the left rather than the right.