Passenger Briefing...What is Included??
Sep 30, 2024Safety First: Essential Tips for Helicopter Passenger Briefing
In aviation, safety is paramount. The importance of a thorough passenger briefing cannot be overstated, especially in helicopters where the risks are unique and significant. In this blog post, we'll dive into key aspects of helicopter passenger safety, drawing insights from rated CFI, Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School.
The Significance of Helicopter Passenger Briefing
Passenger briefing is the foundation of flight safety. It ensures that everyone on board understands how to behave around and inside the helicopter, thereby minimizing the risk of accidents. Kenny Keller emphasizes the importance of briefing before the helicopter's rotor blades start spinning, highlighting scenarios where neglecting this practice has led to fatal outcomes.
Proper Use and Adjustment of Headsets
Headset use might seem trivial, but it's crucial for communication during a flight. Keller illustrates a common issue where passengers, unfamiliar with headsets, struggle to put them on correctly without guidance. This can lead to dangerous distractions for the pilot. Therefore, a pre-flight briefing should include clear instructions on using and adjusting headsets, whether they are voice-activated or require a push-to-talk switch.
Maintaining Visibility and Avoiding Danger Zones
One of the critical instructions during a briefing is to always remain in the pilot’s line of sight when outside the helicopter. Keller stresses the importance of this practice to prevent accidents with the helicopter's tail rotor, which can be fatal. He shares harrowing anecdotes of experienced personnel's close calls and fatal accidents caused by walking into the tail rotor. The safe practice is to stay within 180 degrees in front of the pilot, never approaching from behind.
Approach and Exit Procedures
Approaching and exiting a helicopter require careful attention. Passengers should be instructed to crouch while approaching or leaving the helicopter, regardless of the rotor blade height. Uneven terrain and distractions can lead to tragic accidents, as Keller recounts from real-life incidents. Moreover, passengers should only enter or exit the helicopter as briefed, preferably with assistance from trained personnel.
Keeping Inside: No Dangling Outside Helicopter
Keller strongly discourages allowing passengers to hang their feet or equipment out of the helicopter. He explains that items dangling outside the helicopter pose significant risks, including potential fatal incidents if they are dropped and hit the tail rotor. Any object lost from the helicopter can also pose dangers to people on the ground.
The Importance of Seatbelts
A critical component of helicopter safety is the proper use of seatbelts. Keller insists that seatbelts should remain fastened at all times during the flight. He suggests that pilots show passengers how to engage and disengage seatbelts correctly, as different helicopters may have varying mechanisms. In an emergency, knowing how to quickly unfasten a seatbelt can be lifesaving.
Preparing for Emergencies
Emergency preparedness is an integral part of passenger briefings. Passengers need to be aware of the location and proper use of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and life preservers. In the unlikely event of an emergency such as a fire, passengers should be instructed to exit the helicopter only after the rotors have stopped, unless immediate evacuation is necessary.
Clear Protocols for Exiting
Keller advises that only trained marshaling personnel should handle the opening of helicopter doors and assist passengers in exiting the aircraft. This reduces the risk of injury and ensures that every step is handled with precision and care. He underscores the value of having personnel escort passengers one at a time to prevent confusion and chaos, especially during emergencies.
A Culture of Safety in Helicopter Operations
Creating a culture of safety in helicopter operations starts with comprehensive and consistent passenger briefings. Kenny Keller's podcast provides not just insights, but real-world examples of the consequences of inadequate passenger preparation. By incorporating these practices, pilots can ensure a safer environment for everyone aboard.
Whether you're a pilot, a regular passenger, or new to helicopter flights, understanding and adhering to these safety measures can make the difference between a routine flight and a preventable accident. Always prioritize safety—every flight, every time. To learn more about proper helicopter training, "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint", is available as a FREE PDF Download.
By meticulously following these guidelines, we contribute to a safer, more aware aviation community, ensuring that the majestic experience of flying remains secure and enjoyable for all.
