How Secure 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 when you have a helicopter trip developing quickly, there may be some essential info it’s good to find out 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 decreasing threat to passengers. 

In line with 2021 knowledge from the U.S. Helicopter Security Workforce, 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 brought on 61 fatalities, whereas in 2020, there have been 35. 

“Having these statistics proceed to maneuver in a great 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 Workforce, shared within the report. “However we are able to do higher. Zero fatalities stay our purpose. Right here at USHST, we proceed to work on security enhancements primarily based on the accidents we’ve analyzed, and we’re often growing security supplies to assist this effort.”

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does clarify that “The accident charge for helicopters has historically been increased than the accident charge of fixed-wing plane, in all probability as a result of 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 task, 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 attributable to pilot error, aka “the human issue.” 

Moreover, FAA knowledge 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 attributable to these pilot errors however are additionally probably as a result of extremely stringent laws and multi-pilot crews on most business aircrafts, making a way more managed setting than flying a helicopter. 

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

In case you are nonetheless fascinated about flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it is good to dig into every firm’s security protocols, and should you’re nervous, ask about their pre-flight checks, climate assessments, and their pilots’ experiences. And, like on a business airplane, it is important for passengers to take duty by intently listening to the pre-flight security briefings so if an accident does happen, they’re ready.