All aircraft classifications have operating limitations subject to the complex effects of weather phenomena, but helicopters are particularly susceptible to certain operating risks that arise from aerodynamic characteristics, flight environments, mission profiles and other factors different from those in the fixed-wing community.
Air movement (wind and turbulence), air density and degraded visibility are of critical concern for helicopter pilots. Even the airflow generated by the helicopters themselves can be problematic. In addition, many helicopter missions require flying at low levels, which increases the risk of collision with objects or the ground.
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Helicopter Flying Handbook,1 “Wind direction and velocity affect hovering, takeoff and climb performance.” FAA characterizes wind in this handbook as one of “the three major factors that affect performance.” The other factors are air de…
