Are Helicopter Tours Safe? What You Need to Know Before Booking a Flight
Airplanes, boats and helicopters are three popular ways to take in various sights. The one you choose greatly depends on the area you want to view, as well as the mode of transportation you’re most comfortable with.
Helicopter touring companies understand your concerns. They will do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and safe while you’re a passenger in their aircraft, but there are steps you can take before heading up into the sky for a helicopter tour. First, research the flight-seeing company’s record for helicopter safety in Montana. Next, call the company with questions before booking a ride online. When you get to the departure area, take a look around to ensure everything is good to go. Read on for some more helpful tips.
Understanding the safety precautions
If you’re planning a vacation in a scenic location, a helicopter tour may be something to add to your itinerary. If you’re a person who snaps pictures of everything on trips to new places, you’ll love a helicopter flight, as it’s an opportunity to take photographs from a unique view: looking down from the sky. Helicopter tours aren’t just for out-of-town tourists. They are also for locals who want to see their community from a different angle.
It goes without saying that a helicopter flight-seeing tour offers an experience of a lifetime, but is it safe?
Like all other types of sight-seeing tours, helicopter touring is considered to be generally safe. But that’s not to say it doesn’t pose some risk. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict rules and regulations for helicopter touring companies in the United States. As far as certifications go, pilots taking customers on flight tours have to register with the FAA in order to be cleared to fly. However, the training requirements for pilots vary depending on the kind of tour. The restrictions for flying professional photographers or geographic surveyors may differ from those that apply when flying groups of vacationing tourists.
As far as helicopter safety in Montana goes, helicopter tours are said to be the safest for passengers. Tour pilots are required to have more training and adhere to stricter policies about flight hours, and their helicopters must have equipment approved by the FAA.
Tips and advice to prepare for a helicopter tour
If you’re planning to go on your first helicopter tour, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your safety. As mentioned above, be aware of regulations. Check the FAA’s website for specifics related to pilot certifications and more information about helicopter safety in Montana. When you arrive at the flight site, the pilot will get all passengers into seatbelts and harnesses, demonstrating each step clearly. Also, pay close attention to any safety instructions given before, during and after the flight. This information should be available to you ahead of time on the flight tour’s website or in the company’s main office.
The staff at Rocky Mountain Rotors takes helicopter safety in Montana very seriously. Call us today with questions or to book a flight!
Categorised in: Helicopter Flights