3 Helpful Tips for Operating a Helicopter Safely

Here at Sterling Helicopter, we work to make sure your helicopter receives the best maintenance in a cost-effective manner. While our main focus is on helicopter maintenance, we’d be remiss not provide some insight on some common helicopter flying safety tips.

We know how much our customers love to fly, so we want to ensure that they are always staying safe as they fly. Here are three helpful tips that help promote safe helicopter flying.

Go Through Your Pre-Departure Checklist

If you don’t already do so, you should have a pre-departure checklist made up. You can use something as small as a notepad, or in today’s digital world, you may even use an app on your iPhone. Things your checklist should include are the total fuel information, weather conditions, details about helicopter capability and equipment, as well as required documents for the flight.

Don’t Risk It When It Comes to Weather

When inclement weather like heavy snowfall is in the forecast, it’s not uncommon to see places like schools, offices and business shut down for the day to ensure everyone remains safe from the conditions outside. Helicopter pilots also need to be aware of weather conditions and must know to avoid flying during stormy weather or directly into the fog. While most pilots believe this to be common knowledge, each year, federal investigators examine numerous helicopter accidents, many times fatal, that were caused by pilots taking risks in inclement weather.

Stay at Least 1,000 Feet above Ground Level

With the dangers that come from common obstacles like trees and wires, you can easily avoid these hazards by flying no lower than at least 1,000 feet above ground level. Even if you are the most experienced helicopter pilot, it’s important always to remain mindful of common obstacles.

We hope that all of our customers find that practicing these quick and easy tips will be beneficial. If you find that you are in need of maintenance, our skilled technicians are able to perform Bell helicopter maintenance along with many other services. Feel free to give us a call at 800-270-2681 or browse our website.