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FM/G97 · Air tactics

Working with Helicopters

Passages: 4
Reading time: 1 min
Views: 84
Owned by: Unit Command
Platforms: Every platform
Role cards: 102 cards
Published: 23 Sep 2026

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Approach helicopters safely FM/BS-481
Call when mounted up FM/BS-514
Behave appropriately inside a vehicle FM/BS-515
Dismount vehicles FM/BS-516

Approach helicopters safely

When approaching a helicopter, keep in mind the following factors:

Avoid crossing the door gunner firing arcs
Avoid getting near the tail rotor, especially the side of the tail that the tail rotor is on
Avoid approaching and standing directly in front of the helicopter, as this is the direction in which the helicopter will move when taking off
Be mindful of the clearance between your head and the main rotor, especially on uneven terrain

In practice, this means:

Approach helicopters that load from the side from the side, preferably slightly from the rear
Approach helicopters that load from the rear directly from the rear

Call when mounted up

When mounting in a vehicle, announce to the fireteam leader when your are mounted over the radio.

‘{name} up’

This allows fireteam leaders to then notify the squad leader and so on and ensure that everyone who needs to be on board, is on board before the vehicle departs.

Behave appropriately inside a vehicle

Stay off crew intercom, and join cargo if crew was selected by default
Do not try to interact directly with the crew, regardless of the situation
Casual conversation is allowed, unless instructed otherwise by the crew/leadership
Cease casual conversation automatically when in contact or in an emergency

Dismount vehicles

Before dismounting, the call "Dismount" will be given by the crew
After dismounting the vehicle move away from the vehicle without crossing in front or behind the vehicle, to prevent being run over, or stopping the vehicle from moving as it needs to.