Yes this might seem odd advise on this blog but for once I'm being serious. The second time this month someone has died from getting hit by the blades of a helicopter. So some real safety advise!
If your boarding a helicopter always wait until a crew member calls you forward, ideally wait until the rotor blades have stopped turning. This isn't aways possible so be extra carefull if they are turning and burning as it's known.
Never approach a helicopter downhill, if it's on a slope circle around the FRONT and come in from the downhill side (the uphill rotor blades are closer to the ground) coming in around the front means the crew can see you and know where you are, and it also keeps you clear from the rear tail rotor blades.
Before the helicopter arrives stash any loose gear and stuff hats inside your shirt or somewhere safe, loose objects blowing about are a real risk to helicopters, if your hat goes in the engine it means at best your probably walking home rather than flying, at worst it could cause a crash
If the helecopter has landed on a trailer (often used to wheel them in and out of hangers) either wait until the blades have stopped or if you have to leave make sure you dont step up on the sides of the trailer making yourself taller, also it's good advise to duck down under the rotors anway, especially in windy conditions.
Never stand under a hovering helicopter, the pilot may not be able to see see you and if he comes down you risk getting crushed or hit by the tail roter, thats without the risk of loss of power or other malfunction.
If the landing goes wrong and your waiting to board keep in mind most times the helicopter will roll onto it's side and spin around on it's side a bit, whilst shedding rotor blades like flying swords. Solid cover is a good plan.
If your on one that crashes wait for it to stop moving and wait for the blades to stop, they will probably be lower than usual due to collapsed landing gear.
If you crash in water the helicopter will normally tip upside down so remember that when you get out (many now have floatation bags to keep them floating if they ditch.
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