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Home » Consumer Information » Occupational Safety » Coast Guard

Helicopters

Coast Guard officers not only work on boats, but also on aircraft used to patrol the water and perform search and rescues. The most commonly used Coast Guard aircraft is the helicopter.

Just as with driving and boating, helicopter operators must be trained and licensed before they can fly safely. Helicopter pilots must be trained in air law and operational procedures, meteorology, human performance and limitations, communications, aircraft and principles of flight, navigation, flight performance and planning, and instruments and electronics. Additionally, Coast Guard officer must also learn how to perform a search and rescue from a helicopter.

Once on board a helicopter, the following safety precautions should be observed:

  • Always wear seatbelt.
  • Know the location and means of opening doors and emergency exits.
  • For over water flights, know the ditching procedure and how to use flotation equipment.
  • Know the location and use of emergency gear and survival equipment.
  • Avoid the rear of the helicopter where the tail rotor is located.
  • Crouch when going under the main rotor system.
  • Approach a helicopter in the pilot's line of vision, making eye contact with the pilot.
  • Approach the helicopter from the front, never from the rear.
  • Never open helicopter doors during flight.