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 you probably have a helicopter journey arising quickly, there may be some necessary data you’ll want to find out about helicopter security.
Whereas the reply to the query “Are helicopters secure?” is nuanced, a fast look at accident statistics exhibits that the business has made appreciable strides in decreasing threat to passengers.
Based on 2021 knowledge 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 a superb path is a optimistic, and I applaud my colleagues for all they do every day to make our business safer,” Nick Mayhew, business co-chair of the U.S. Helicopter Security Staff, shared within the report. “However we will do higher. Zero fatalities stay our objective. Right here at USHST, we proceed to work on security enhancements based mostly on the accidents we now have analyzed, and we’re often growing security supplies to assist this effort.”
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does clarify that “The accident price for helicopters has historically been increased than the accident price of fixed-wing plane, in all probability as a result of helicopter’s distinctive capabilities to fly and land in additional various conditions than fixed-wing plane.” It additionally famous that pilot error can play a job, as pilots try “to fly the helicopter past the bounds of his or her skills 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 attributable to pilot error, aka “the human issue.”
Moreover, FAA knowledge exhibits that although helicopter security has improved, it’s statistically riskier than business airline journey, with business carriers typically reporting zero or near-zero deadly accidents in most years. This may very well be on account of these pilot errors however are additionally seemingly 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 techniques, and crash-resistant gas techniques, all of which contribute to fewer accidents and fatalities by eradicating the human issue.
If you’re nonetheless occupied with flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it is good to dig into every firm’s security protocols, and when you’re nervous, ask about their pre-flight checks, climate assessments, and their pilots’ experiences. And, like on a business aircraft, it’s vital for passengers to take duty by intently listening to the pre-flight security briefings so if an accident does happen, they’re ready.