Is It Safe to Stand Under a Helicopter While It Lands?

The short answer is no, it is not safe to stand under a helicopter while it is landing. The risks associated with getting close to a helicopter in this situation include severe personal injury or death. Each operation involving a helicopter, especially those close to the ground, poses unique dangers that should be understood and respected.

Understanding the Dangers

Personal injury and even death are common dangers associated with approaching a helicopter while it is landing. The primary risks include rotor dip and down draft. Rotor dip occurs when the helicopter's rotor speed is not sufficient, causing the blades to droop closer to the ground. In such a scenario, if you are too close, you are at risk of being struck by the blades, which could result in severe injury or death.

In addition to rotor dip, the down draft generated by a helicopter is another significant hazard. To lift the weight of the aircraft, the rotors push a huge volume of air downwards. This down draft can be strong enough to move heavy objects and create a hazardous environment. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all loose objects and people are kept a safe distance from the landing zone.

Practical Safety Guidance

Throughout my experience, I have seen that common sense plays a crucial role in maintaining safety around helicopters. For instance, while working in motoring sports and setting up temporary helicopter landing sites, I was taught to stay as far away as possible when a helicopter is operating near the ground. This is a general rule that applies to most situations, but there are exceptions.

Approach Under Special Circumstances

There are instances where being beneath a helicopter may be necessary, but these situations should be handled with caution. For example, if you are a crew member or a person whom the pilot is aware of, and you have a clear reason to be under the helicopter, the risk may be minimized. However, even in these cases, it is important to follow strict safety protocols.

Essential Safety Measures

Wearing appropriate protective gear is crucial in these scenarios. Eye protection and hearing protection should always be used, especially when working closely with a helicopter. It is also important to have clear communication with the pilot and follow their instructions strictly. Detailed briefings and good communication are essential to minimize the risks associated with working near a helicopter.

Conclusion

Standing under a helicopter while it is landing is not a recommended or safe practice. The risks of severe injury or death are too high. Whether you are a general bystander or a crew member, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and follow all safety instructions provided by the pilot. If you need to be under the helicopter, ensure that you have a valid reason and that the pilot is fully aware of your presence.