Safety in the skies

Helicopters allow passengers to see the world from the clouds and leave their worries on the ground.

The common saying that flying is safer than hitting the road behind the wheel of a car is statistically accurate. Helicopter tours provide an extraordinary way for travelers to take in the sights from the skies.

Because helicopters are commonly used for military operations or emergency situations in bad weather, there are accidents that do happen, but “routine helicopter operations, such as sightseeing have an excellent safety record,” states the American Helicopter Society International Web site. And helicopter safety continues to improve.

"Over the past several years, the Federal Aviation Administration has observed a marginal decrease in both helicopter air tours and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) accidents," states the Federal Aviation Administration in one of its national policy notices.

While a skilled helicopter pilot and good equipment are key to a safe flight, there are things that passengers need to keep in mind when taking a helicopter ride.

Some of the items that the Transport Canada Web site lists as important information for passengers to know is to inform the pilot of medical conditions before flight, refrain from smoking anywhere near the helicopter or during flight, stay back when helicopters are landing or gearing up for takeoff and don’t walk toward or out of a helicopter until the pilot or crew instruct you to do so.

Once in the helicopter, seatbelts available should be fastened and passengers should not get out of their seats unless they are told they can do so and passengers should not do anything to distract the pilot’s attention during key moments of the flight like taking off or landing, according to Transport Canada.

Because debris can be in the air from the force of the helicopter rotor, passengers should protect their eyes while near the helicopter. When heading toward the helicopter or departing after a trip, they should never approach from the back, but head over from the side or front and crouch down when walking, according to Transport Canada’s site.

The most essential bits of safety instruction should be given to passengers before the flight from the crew so passengers should make sure to carefully listen and adhere to all instructions before, during and after the flight.

If precautions are taken, passengers can take to the skies and make memories while seeing their favorite places from a unique perspective.