In the wake of the recent tragedy over the Hudson River, many people may be wondering if it is safe to do helicopter and plane tours when on vacation. There have been other fatal helicopter tour and transportation accidents in recent years. In 2007 and 2008, 109 people died in accidents involving “on-demand flights” while no one died in commercial flights.
You will want to make sure that the tour company that you choose is FAA “Part 135” certified. This is a set of safety guidelines set forth by the FAA that has a strict set of safety rules. However, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has expressed that they think the FAA needs to have stricter regulations, and recommendations they have set forth to the FAA have not been implemented. But, for now, Part 135 certified is the strongest regulation and a must when booking a tour.
In addition to ensuring Part 135 certification, when scheduling a helicopter tour, it is important to ask the following questions:
1. What are your maintenance procedures on your helicopters?
2. What training do your pilots go through?
3. What is your pilot’s flight frequency?
4. Do you have a registered flight plan?
5. What safety equipment do you have on board?
Make sure that you fly on a day when the weather is clear and there are no threats of strong winds and/or thunderstorms. Helicopters are very sensitive to weather conditions and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Following these simple procedures and using caution when booking a helicopter tour can make it a safe and enjoyable experience.
Read more of my articles at: http://www.examiner.com/x-15944-Rochester-International-Travel-Examiner.
Comments
does this person even KNOW what they are talking about... i think not. I fly for a tour operator and would beg to differ with most of your reasoning. how many people a DAY die in cars? now because of a helicopter crashing, which may I add was NOT the helicopter pilots fault, everyone wants to act like the end of the world is here.
I agree whoever wrote this article should educate them self, how many people are saved by the safety features on modern aircraft.
Amazing title this brainiac came up with first of. Attack helicopter tour industry when a "PLANE" came up behind them unseen and unheard.
Did she even look at Liberty Helicopters website, that is what brought her to write such an commentary I suspect. Well they are a 135 operation and have had a great reputation within the industry for maintenance and safety. Weather was not an issue either. Basically everything she wrote doesn't even apply to the accident that gave her the bright idea to write this.
So apparently this Geography graduate didn't do the slightest bit of research to realize that it is an FAA regulation that: each aircraft that is being overtaken has the right-of-way and each pilot of an overtaking aircraft shall alter course to the right to pass well clear. Find it in section 91.113
I guess she would rather promote fear than actual educated thought. Better title for her article: Travel writers: Do they even know what their talking about?
I'm sorry if I upset you, and I wasn't personally saying ANYTHING about the company involved in the accident - I didn't blame them nor say anything about their safety record. What I was simply trying to do was give readers some questions they should be asking before taking a helicopter tour. Obviously, accidents are going to occur which is what happened in this most recent incident. But, in general, if you follow these guidelines you will hopefully ensure a safer journey.
I have to agree with most of the comments here, a little more research on the topic would go a long way. I won't repeat what has already been said.
I will, however, comment on your questions to ask.
1. What are your maintenance procedures on your helicopters?
If you intend to ask this question, what is your expected correct or acceptable response? "Lots", "Extra good fixin'"?
The FAR/AIM lays out very specific rules for maintenance procedures, sections 43 and 135.
I would suggest that a better way to ask this question would be, "Are your helicopters maintained in full compliance with FAA regulation?"
2. What training do your pilots go through?
The FAA has very strict training regulations and they all must pass numerous checks with FAA examiners to be Part 135 certified. Each of the pilots must have, at minimum, a Commercial Pilot Certification. Surely most have either an ATP and/or CFI cert as well.
Instead, ask the flight hours for your pilot.
(Continued)
(Continued)
3. What is your pilot’s flight frequency?
All helicopter pilots must have 3 take off and 3 landings in the preceding 90 days in the type of aircraft being flown in order to carry passengers. Night recency covers day recency.
Again, I would suggest looking at the total hours of the pilot.
4. Do you have a registered flight plan?
While a flight plan is a very good idea, it is not required and it would not have made a difference for this incident. A flight plan is filed with a Flight Service Station and helps emergency responders locate a missing/overdue plane. It does NOT have any value in air traffic control situations.
5. What safety equipment do you have on board?
Absolutely, this is a great question to ask, although all the information covering this topic is also in the FAR/AIM book of FAA regulations.
All in all, being an informed passenger is very good advice, but just the act of asking is no help, you have to understand the answer.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!