Is there anyway a helicopter pilot can escape safely if something goes wrong?

Question

I am in Army ROTC and I am 2 years away from picking a branch of the Army I want to work in.

I am leaning towards Aviation in order to become a helicopter pilot.

My question is: Is there any way a helicopter pilot can escape safely is something goes wrong. I know fighter planes have the eject button, but I am almost 100% certain that helicopters don't.

Also, does the Army have planes or do they only have helicopters?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I've studied emergency proceedures for helicopters. They all tell you to tighten your seat belt and assume the proper crash position.
While it is a common practice to skydive from helicopters, it is inadvisable to do so from a helicopter that is out of control.

If you try to bail out while in the air, you are most likely to wind up getting caught in the rotors and killed. Helicopters are usually abandoned only after they have come to rest, either on the ground or in the water.

There is no ejection seat for helicpoters. You pray you can autorotate safely to the ground and survive the impact.

The following site demonstrates the generally accepted method of emergency helicopter abandonment:

http://www.moxietraining.com/programs/offshore/off_emergency_helicopter_abandonment.htm

And, the good news is that helicopters are one of the safest forms of air travel.

To answer the second part of your question:
The US Army has a goodly number of aircraft besides helicopters. These include:
Lockheed Martin C 130 Hercules
B-52 Stratofortress
F/A 18 Hornet
General Dynamics F16A (Tiger)
MacDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II
and others

If you would like to get a feel for these, check out the Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3. It is as close to the real thing as you can get outside a military simulator.
http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs3/

And, the best, most realistic flight simulator controller system for your computer is the following:
http://www.avidaviator.com/pcatd.html
Basic Specs:
ASA's On Top PCATD combines the power and flexibility of the On Top software with aviation's most realistic flight controls, to make a loggable package for Part 61 and Part 141 instrument students. PC based IFR simulation is the accepted method of initial instrument training and procedures practice for students and pilots. Up to 10 hours can be logged towards the instrument rating, plus an unlimited amount of ground training hours. Complex procedures such as NDB intercepts, intersection holds with gusting winds, and in-flight, realistic instrument or systems failures can be performed, analyzed and reflown. By mastering these skills on the ground, students can cut significantly into the time and cost of traditional flight training.

Be aware, the total system, which is as realistic as a real cockpit, has a sticker shocking price tag of $3496. But, short of a multi-million dollar military simulator, it's as real as it gets.

Good luck on your military career; and thanks for putting your life on the line to defend and preserve our freedom and way of life.

I am now 60yo, have recently had a total hip joint replacement, and can only wish I could come be your wingman. I love to fly, but made a major mistake in my youth.

When doing my first solo flight, I flew under the Golden Gate bridge, thinking that I was under the radar and wouldn't be noticed.

However, I was NOT under the harbor master's radar. I was immediately grounded and have not been able to get a license since.

So, computer flite-sims are the only way I can get my flying 'fix' these days.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

first: helicopters fly in heights that virtually prevent the pilot to recognize something went wrong. you recognize it as you crash.
on the ocassions with enough altitude, the pilot usually lands as soon as possible. should the landing be not possible, he is a dead man.

Variety of problems from engine failures to the transmission shaft interruption are solved through the autorotation.

Finally some lucky crews, like those flying Hip/ Hind helicopters are equipped with the parachute. Having enough alitutde /at least 100 meters/ and proper speed plus at least limited control of the helicopter the crew may bail out.

Answer 4

You cannot eject from a helicopter; the only way you can safely land a helicopter with mechanical trouble is through Autorotation landing; when the engines cut off, the blades still have enough autorotation left in them for the helicopter to glide down safely; is a technique that it taught to pilots.

Answer 5

Our local sheriff's copter had a hard landing a few months back - they were about 800 feet when a malfunction occurred
and they lost the rear rotor

the pilot 'let the air out' and was down in a matter of seconds

whew - scared the crap out of us - but they were ok
all three were shaken, but unhurt. God was flying with them!

eject button - nope - not on ours
maybe on the military's

Answer 6

Prince Harry is a fully trained Helicoptor Pilot , although he is acting as the gunner on this occasion. You have to respect his intensions to be in the thick of the fighting in Afghanistan, despite his Royal Status.

Answer 7

if i remember correctly according to my country they crash tilting towards the right side of the chopper so the left is always safer.

Helicopters and Fighterplanes operate under the same cat.

Answer 8

i'm pretty sure the super advanced combat ones have ejection systems and jetison the propellers...otherwise you're right. cause most crashes are from tail rotor failures and generally slow speed impacts except for the uncontrolable counter spinning.

Answer 9

Simple ... ~10K device = NO dead troops

Ya ... all they have to do is install airbags

But since they DO NOT care if U die why waste the money.

As long as troops die --- there is a reason to keep troops there and milk the cash cow.

Answer 10

Probably parachutes him/herself to safety.