All personnel present at the take-off or landing of a helicopter shall observe the following safety precautions:
- Safety Margin - All persons shall stay at least 50 feet away from the helicopter rotors when the rotor blades are in motion unless authorized otherwise by the pilot or observer;
- Approaching the Aircraft - When approaching a helicopter from within the 50-foot safety margin, the approach shall be made from the front or from the side near the front where the pilot can observe the approaching person at all times;
NOTE: Unless otherwise instructed by the pilot or observer, never approach or leave the helicopter from any side where the ground is higher than that on which the ship is standing or hovering. Keep head down while making the approach or retreat.
- Leaving the Aircraft - When leaving the helicopter while rotor is in motion, keep head down and walk away directly from the front or side until 50 feet clear of the blades, as rotors lower as RPMs decrease;
- Tail Rotor – Stay away from tail rotors at all times;
- Parked Vehicles - Vehicles and other conveyances, shall be kept at least 50 feet from the helicopter, and may be required to stay at a further distance if the pilot or observer so directs;
- Smoking - There shall be no smoking within 100 feet of a helicopter during landing or take-off operations;
- Radio Antennas - Radio antennas on police vehicles shall be fastened down when vehicles are parked in the immediate vicinity of the helicopter landing or take-off area; and
Hand Signals - Hand signals will be utilized by ground Units in non-radio communication with the aircraft. See Helicopter Hand Signals (SH-CR-288).