How to avoid a main rotor collision with obstacles

A frequent cause of helicopter accidents is the collision of the main rotor with obstacles. Many of these collisions are due to an optical illusion by the pilot. This is impressively demonstrated in this safety video.

[@m.a1804]

We need more safety videos, thank you!

[@indyjons321]

The content VRASF puts out it top quality.

[@loftdynamics]

Thanks for your support Claude!

[@hangarnut5660]

Great information. I always cringe when I come in for a landing close to another aircraft on the pad

[@cmtemoacirsilva]

In 1987, flying Puma in the Amazon jungle, already with a lot of experience, I made an approach to a very small and restricted area with a very high obstacle at the 15 o'clock position. Visually I was sure that it was possible to land and cut, that there would be a space between the rotor and the obstacle. My instinct however made me ask the flight mechanic to come down and signal. To my complete surprise, he positioned me approximately 1.5 m to the left, which was the maximum limit. Then he made an ok sign to cut. When I got off the aircraft and visualized, I saw that if I had cut where I "thought" would be clear of the obstacle, an accident would have inevitably occurred. I was extremely shaken imagining what a tragedy it would have been if I hadn't followed my instincts. I couldn't sleep that night thinking and thinking about how that was possible until around 3:00 am I drew my sensation on paper and arrived exactly at this drawing, like a compass with the needle in our chair and the tip in front of the nose and In fact, the needle is back on the mast, which ends up giving this erroneous view and which continues to cause accidents. From there I pass on this experience to the pilots, making exactly the same drawing. Congratulations on the excellent video!!

[@monostripezebras]

Really good video, thanks. Happy Landings to all.

[@davidwallace5738]

Outstanding job sir. Thank you!

[@vuichardrecoveryaviationsa8064]

Very welcome!

[@HawkDriverJD]

I’ve been flying Blackhawks for 14 years and I have successfully avoided collisions with my rotors by utilizing a very important technique…not running into shit! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Hans_Magnusson]

That seems like a winner!
Good job.
I can imagine that you would learn some reference points so you can estimate the clearance.
I usually use something in the line of sight such as a rivet or anything else that is fixed in the cockpit to gauge clearance, how far I can get in an engine out situation before I have to land, when to flare an touch down etc
Same idea as the old school gunsights…

[@eddiexoc8430]

Good information

[@skrame01]

Why is this in my rec vids.

[@gemsquashthg]

👍