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
