How Protected Is Flying in a Helicopter?

On April 10, a helicopter carrying six folks, together with the pilot, on a sightseeing tour crashed into the Hudson River in New York Metropolis, killing these on board. Because the Related Press reported, the Nationwide Transportation Security Board is investigating the reason for the incident. 

The crash is, with out query, a tragedy. However if in case you have a helicopter experience arising quickly, there’s some necessary info you could learn about helicopter security.

Whereas the reply to the query “Are helicopters protected?” is nuanced, a fast look at accident statistics exhibits that the trade has made appreciable strides in lowering danger to passengers. 

In response to 2021 information from the U.S. Helicopter Security Staff, in 2013, there have been 146 helicopter accidents within the U.S. In 2020, that quantity dropped to 94, marking a 36 p.c lower in accidents. In 2013, these accidents induced 61 fatalities, whereas in 2020, there have been 35. 

“Having these statistics proceed to maneuver in a superb course is a optimistic, and I applaud my colleagues for all they do every day to make our trade safer,” Nick Mayhew, trade co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Security Staff, shared within the report. “However we are able to do higher. Zero fatalities stay our aim. Right here at USHST, we proceed to work on security enhancements primarily based on the accidents we’ve analyzed, and we’re recurrently creating security supplies to assist this effort.”

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does clarify that “The accident price for helicopters has historically been greater than the accident price of fixed-wing plane, in all probability because of the helicopter’s distinctive capabilities to fly and land in additional numerous conditions than fixed-wing plane.” It additionally famous that pilot error can play a job, as pilots try “to fly the helicopter past the bounds of his or her talents or past the capabilities of the helicopter.”

It added that Nationwide Transportation Security Board statistics present that roughly 80 p.c of all aviation accidents are brought on by pilot error, aka “the human issue.” 

Moreover, FAA information exhibits that although helicopter security has improved, it’s statistically riskier than business airline journey, with business carriers usually reporting zero or near-zero deadly accidents in most years. This might be because of these pilot errors however are additionally possible because of the extremely stringent laws and multi-pilot crews on most business aircrafts, making a way more managed surroundings than flying a helicopter. 

However notably, helicopters are more and more geared up with superior avionics, terrain consciousness methods, and crash-resistant gasoline methods, all of which contribute to fewer accidents and fatalities by eradicating the human issue.

If you’re nonetheless concerned about flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it is good to dig into every firm’s security protocols, and in the event you’re nervous, ask about their pre-flight checks, climate assessments, and their pilots’ experiences. And, like on a business aircraft, it is vital for passengers to take accountability by intently listening to the pre-flight security briefings so if an accident does happen, they’re ready.