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Mr. Lucky. Bluebird skies, the sun is shinning, and you’re lying across the cockpit of your kayak with your
crew by the sparkling blue placid water in the lowlands of some exotic river. The sound of distant rotors finally
reaches your ears. You linger with your head laid back for a couple of extra moments. You let the sound grow louder,
making sure that it is not just another audio hallucination. You raise your head, wink at your closest partner
and there she is. Off in the distance. Curling in a graceful arc directly at you. You raise a hand to wave because
it seems appropriate but you hear the snickering of your bros and you know you just looked like the parade queen.
Except, your attire is made up of mostly wretched polypro that has never seen the inside of a washing machine.
You are however wearing a skirt.
As your ride into the inaccessible wilderness comes in for a soft landing you realize that there must be some
sort of procedure for the loading of the boats and the rest of the gear, for the approach to the cockpit and
for the exit and unloading at the top. You freeze. Never fear. You’ll be prepared if you read on.
Below is a list of ten safety tips and rules of etiquette that should help anyone feel like a pro for that
remarkable but frightening first heli-trip.
1. Treat your pilot with respect. He is at the helm and you are at his mercy. Pilots will sour
if messed around with. Be dressed and waiting for the chopper before its final approach. Confirm price,
number of passengers and pick up location prior to pilots arrival. A few beers will refresh a soured pilot
if necessary.
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| Dando watching over the operation with a smile |
2. Stay calm. The sound of the rotors is loud, the fumes are thick and for some the ensuing adventure is
almost too much to handle. Ineptitude of various types may follow. Do not run, scream or loose your proverbial
“marbles.” The helicopter will land, you will board and you will exit at the headwaters of an amazing kayak run.
For now though it is best to remain calm.
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| Walking not running |
3. Helicopter rotors are known to produce a vast amount of powerful wind. Secure all loose items around
the landing zone prior to landing. Stowe any remaining loose items under heavier objects. Do not wear loose
clothing and strap your helmet down tight.
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| Loading the cargo net |
4. Upon landing do not approach the helicopter until pilot signals. The trip leader should have
money in hand, pay for all passengers up front, inform pilot of final trip number and await further
instruction. Flight groups should be pre-determined (usually two or four, but can be anywhere between 2 and 5,
check with pilot when booking initial flight). The first group should be ready to load boats and equipment when
signaled by the pilot (boats may be strapped directly to skids with small choppers or carried in a cargo bag below
larger helicopters). In general do not do anything around the helicopter without first making eye contact with the
pilot.
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| Large chopper carrying the cargo |
5. Never approach a helicopter from the back. Stay within the pilot’s range of sight at all times.
Approach from 45 degrees to 90 degrees off the front nose of the helicopter. If there is any sort of slope, approach from
the downhill side.
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| Wait for pilot to signal |
6. Helicopter rotors are powerful instruments of destruction if fooled around with. Stay as low as possible
when anywhere within the range of the rotors. Never approach a helicopter when the engine and rotors are winding
down or revving up. Do not reach up for objects that you have lost control of or that become loose.
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| Coming in for a smooth beach landing |
7. Carry all long objects horizontally NOT vertically, upright or over your shoulder. Ten gallon hats
are discouraged. If blinded by blowing or swirling dust STOP get low and regain your bearings or wait for
assistance before proceeding. Do not wave arms frantically shouting “MY EYES! MY EYES!”
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| The steep and only accessible by whilrybird |
8. Duck low when stepping into the cockpit. Be conscious of the delicate instruments, gauges and other
essential components to these precision machines. Tow loops, carabiners and pfd straps can easily catch and mess
these which will immediately sour the pilot. Once seated do not touch any part of the machine except for your
seatbelt.
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| Don't touch. |
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| Watching from a safe distance with unloaded gears |
9. When unloading, move all gear as far as is reasonable from the chopper, stowing again any loose items
under heavier items. If the landing zone is confined and you can’t drag your gear away, stockpile it all to one
side. Crouch over it and wait for pilot to fly away before waving. Jumping jacks, yoga, calisthenics and any other
pre-game rituals should be refrained from until chopper is out of sight.
10. Engage pilot in thoughtful conversation but do not interrupt other radio traffic. Always say THANK YOU. Remember this will likely be your
rescue pilot were you to need assistance. Present yourself as worth saving if the need were to arise. Enjoy!
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| You can start your calisthenics now |
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