A good briefing is essential for ensuring the safety and understanding of everyone on board.
Tip 1:
Prioritize Safety Awareness and Approach/Departure Procedures
The first thing you need to do is emphasize the importance of safety during approach and departure. Tell passengers to approach and depart from the front of the helicopter, avoiding the rear area and rotating rotor blades. Explain the potential dangers associated with approaching spinning propellers or rotor blades. Remind passengers, even those with previous helicopter experience, to remain vigilant and cautious around helicopters.
Tip 2:
Establish Clear Communication and Engage Passengers' Attention
Next, you need to establish clear communication and engage passengers' attention. Start the briefing outside the helicopter, starting from the office or FBO. Inquire about passengers' prior helicopter experience and provide a thorough explanation of the helicopter's unique features and potential hazards. Highlight the two rotor systems, with particular emphasis on the dangers of tail rotors. Stress the importance of securing loose items before entering the helicopter and paying attention to the safety of others.
Once you have everyone's attention, wait for distractions to subside inside the helicopter before continuing the briefing. This will ensure that passengers can focus and retain information.
Demonstrate the proper method of securing luggage and straps to prevent interference with flight controls and critical switches. Encourage passengers to practice using seatbelts and familiarize themselves with the location and usage of safety equipment, such as life vests.
Tip 3:
Cover Essential Instructions and Emergency Procedures
Finally, you need to cover essential instructions and emergency procedures. This includes things like how to approach the helicopter, how to enter and exit the helicopter, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Be sure to provide clear and concise instructions that everyone can understand.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips for giving a comprehensive helicopter passenger briefing:
Use a checklist or "cheat sheet" to ensure all important items are covered during the briefing.
Seek feedback from another pilot to identify any missed points or areas for improvement.
Consider recording the briefing to analyze and enhance its effectiveness.
Conclusion
A comprehensive helicopter passenger briefing is crucial for ensuring the safety and understanding of everyone on board. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can provide an effective briefing that sets the foundation for a safe and enjoyable flight.