When should personnel approach a helicopter?

• A. Only after the pilot has them in sight and signals that it is safe.
• B. Approach from any direction as soon as possible.
• C. Approach while the rotor is turning.
• D. Approach after landing gear is deployed.

Answer: (A)

Approach only after you are seen by the pilot and the pilot signals that it is safe. The rotor blades and tail rotor pose serious injury risks, and a helicopter can move or start rotating blades quickly even when it seems idle. The pilot’s line of sight and a clear signal confirms that the area around the rotor is clear and that you have explicit clearance to enter the vicinity. In practice, approach from in front where the pilot can see you, stay low, and wait for the designated signal or radio instruction before moving toward the aircraft. Never approach from the sides or rear or while the rotor is turning. Relying on landing gear position or timing isn’t a reliable safety cue, you need direct clearance.