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Helicopter Brace Position - what do you brief?


Tinker Bell

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My standard briefing as a pilot following the ground loader full briefing was a fun but specific recap.

 

Before we lift off, make sure all seat belts are securely fastened about you. Please keep all objects, hands, and feet inside the frame of the air craft. If you fail to do so those items will most likely leave the aircraft without you, and I am not turning around to retrieve them. Feel free to talk as we fly all headsets are live in the intercom, and occasionally you may hear me speaking with other pilots in the area. If your having a great time feel free to scream, but if I start screaming please be quiet so I can panick all by myself.

 

Most pSsengers were laughing by then as it eased their tensions of a helicopter ride. They always stayed seated and kept hands inside. Doors off tours is why I included that line. Occasionally I was asked why and of course explained speed vs tendon strength. Selfie stick cameras are becoming a serious item to pay attention to as a tour pilot.

 

As a caution, always remind passengers as you approach to land to stay seated with seat belts fastened until the blades come to a full stop, or in case of ground crews, the ground crew has opened your door.

 

Passengers tend to start wanting off like on an airliner while taxing. I once observed the damage caused by a passenger whomdidnt wait, tripped out the door and held on to the door as he went. It came off and caused some serious expence in the process.

 

Thats my normal pilot versions, and if also playing the ground loader rule, I include seatbelts, door handles, fire extingishers, and how to go down hill in the case of an unplanned landing. Never take it so far as to cause more apprehension to the flight by talking too far into unplanned events.

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Thanks for your post Wolftalon.

 

I think the majority of standard Pax briefs would be similar but I am interested on who if anyone includes the brace position and what brace position they use.

 

In a real life situation I would think you would be too busy to give a brace position brief unless you were flying > 2000'AGL.

 

I am interested to know if a court of law would find you liable If the brace position brief wasn't given and a Pax was injured.

 

Any lawyers out there ?

 

Tinker

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No accident for over 20yrs flying. It was just a discussion I had with an offshore pilot recently which got me thinking.

 

Any overwater flight is given a thorough brief, demonstrating life jacket use without any worries from pax. I also brief - in the event of an emergency - wait until rotors have stopped before exiting helo.

 

I do mention that it is a legal requirement for me to brief which settles any nerves.

 

Tinker

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