On April 10, a helicopter carrying six individuals, together with the pilot, on a sightseeing tour crashed into the Hudson River in New York Metropolis, killing these on board. Because the Associated 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 experience developing quickly, there’s some necessary data you have to learn about helicopter security.

Whereas the reply to the query «Are helicopters protected?» is nuanced, a fast look at accident statistics exhibits that the business has made appreciable strides in decreasing threat to passengers. 

In line with 2021 information from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, 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 triggered 61 fatalities, whereas in 2020, there have been 35. 

«Having these statistics proceed to maneuver in a very good path is a constructive, 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 Group, shared within the report. «However we are able to do higher. Zero fatalities stay our aim. Right here at USHST, we proceed to work on security enhancements primarily based on the accidents we have now analyzed, and we’re frequently creating security supplies to assist this effort.»

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) does clarify that «The accident charge for helicopters has historically been increased than the accident charge of fixed-wing plane, most likely as a result of helicopter’s distinctive capabilities to fly and land in additional numerous conditions than fixed-wing plane.» It additionally famous that pilot error can play a job, as pilots try «to fly the helicopter past the boundaries of his or her talents 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 information exhibits that although helicopter security has improved, it’s statistically riskier than business airline journey, with business carriers usually reporting zero or near-zero deadly accidents in most years. This could possibly be resulting from these pilot errors however are additionally seemingly as a result of extremely stringent rules and multi-pilot crews on most business aircrafts, making a way more managed surroundings than flying a helicopter. 

However notably, helicopters are increasingly equipped with superior avionics, terrain consciousness techniques, and crash-resistant gasoline techniques, all of which contribute to fewer accidents and fatalities by eradicating the human issue.

If you’re nonetheless concerned with flying by helicopter for a sightseeing tour, it is good to dig into every firm’s security protocols, and in the event 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 accountability by intently listening to the pre-flight security briefings so if an accident does happen, they’re ready.