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 have a helicopter journey arising quickly, there may be some essential info you might want to learn about helicopter security.

Whereas the reply to the query “Are helicopters secure?” is nuanced, a fast look at accident statistics reveals that the trade has made appreciable strides in lowering 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 induced 61 fatalities, whereas in 2020, there have been 35. 

“Having these statistics proceed to maneuver in path is a constructive, 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 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 we’ve got analyzed, and we’re frequently growing 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 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 brought on by pilot error, aka “the human issue.” 

Moreover, FAA information reveals 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 on account of these pilot errors however are additionally possible as a result of extremely stringent laws and multi-pilot crews on most business aircrafts, making a way more managed atmosphere than flying a helicopter. 

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

In case you are nonetheless all for 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 aircraft, it is vital for passengers to take accountability by intently listening to the pre-flight security briefings so if an accident does happen, they’re ready.