Helicopter tours are one of the most popular ways to explore a city, but safety is a big concern among fliers. Humanity has been taking to the skies in helicopters for almost 100 years, and we have been improving our approach since the day they were invented. In the modern world, helicopters are much safer than many day to day activities such as riding in a car, especially when you book a commercial tour.
Let’s take a look at helicopter safety and everything you need to know before you book your first flight!
How Safe is Riding in a Helicopter?
Flying can be intimidating for a lot of people. After all, flight doesn’t come naturally to humans like it does to animals. In fact, aerophobia, the fear of flying, is one of the top ten fears!
Nerves are a completely normal response to flying, whether you set out on a plane, private jet, or helicopter tour. Of course, the best way to combat those nerves is with facts—and the fact is that flying in a helicopter is incredibly safe.
Hundreds of helicopter flights take to the skies each day. Despite this, crashes remain very uncommon and are even less likely among organized helicopter tours with reputable companies. According to the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, the fatal accident rate for all helicopters in the United States was 0.72 per 100,000 flight hours in 2018.
Flying in a helicopter, particularly with trusted operators, is demonstrably safe and low-risk, thanks to stringent safety measures and a consistently low accident rate, allowing passengers to confidently enjoy the unique experience.
Pilot Training: How Our Experts Learn to Fly Safely
No one will influence your experience in a helicopter more than your helicopter pilot, and they play a key role in keeping you safe. Helicopter pilots undergo extensive training before they can take to the skies for helicopter tours, including over 40 hours of logged flight time with plenty of professional supervision. Every licensed helicopter pilot you ride with has been thoroughly trained in flying, navigating dangerous situations, and managing their aircraft. Their expertise ensures your safety in the skies!
Common Measures to Improve Helicopter Safety
Keeping you safe in the skies takes a lot of work from an entire team. To ensure your safety during each and every flight, there are rules and protocols that every helicopter company must follow, including:
- Regular aircraft maintenance
- Frequent and thorough aircraft inspections
- Real-time weather assessments
- Extensive pilot training
- Staying within helicopter maximum weight limits
Although helicopter tours put in the work to provide you with a safe flight, you can do your part too. There are several steps that passengers can take to support a safe flight, including:
- Always listening to the instructions of the flight crew
- Properly and securely buckling
- Remaining aware of your surroundings
- Being polite and courteous to all passengers and crew
Certifications and Awards To Look Out For
Every flight crew operates differently, and even small differences can impact your safety and your experience. For peace of mind while in the sky, look for these awards that indicate the crew and company takes the caution necessary to follow standard safety measures:
- Helicopter Association International Recognition
- Eastern Region Helicopter Council Recognition
- ARG/US Gold Rated Status
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- USA Today Best Helicopter Tour
Book an Award-Winning Tour With Charm Aviation!
There is nothing quite like taking to the skies in a helicopter, and we do everything in our power to keep you safe in the air. Our award-winning flight crew is filled with talented experts who are eager to help you see New York like never before.
To fly high above the city with one of our pilots, explore our city tours and book a flight with us today!
