Why do people duck under 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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Understanding a Helicopter Accident The crash rate for general aircraft is 7.28 crashes per 100,000 hours of flight time. For helicopters, that number is 9.84 per 100,000 hours. That means helicopters have a 35 percent higher risk of crashing compared to airplanes.

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Generally speaking, it is understood that helicopters are harder to operate as compared to standard light aircraft. While a pilot may be able to undertake long flights in a standard aeroplane and not be all too tired at the end of it, just a few hours of flying a helicopter may be exhausting for some.

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