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 when you’ve got a helicopter experience arising quickly, there’s some necessary data you want to find out about helicopter security.

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

In keeping with 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 precipitated 61 fatalities, whereas in 2020, there have been 35. 

“Having these statistics proceed to maneuver in route is a constructive, and I applaud my colleagues for all they do every day to make our business safer,” Nick Mayhew, business co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Security Staff, shared within the report. “However we will do higher. Zero fatalities stay our purpose. Right here at USHST, we proceed to work on security enhancements based mostly on the accidents now we have analyzed, and we’re frequently creating security supplies to assist this effort.”

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does clarify that “The accident fee for helicopters has historically been larger than the accident fee 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 boundaries 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 information reveals that although helicopter security has improved, it’s statistically riskier than industrial airline journey, with industrial carriers typically reporting zero or near-zero deadly accidents in most years. This could possibly be attributable to these pilot errors however are additionally possible because of the extremely stringent rules and multi-pilot crews on most industrial aircrafts, making a way more managed setting than flying a helicopter. 

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

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