Helicopter flights from “A” to “Z”

People have always wanted to learn to fly. Since we do not have wings, we have to invent different substitutions, such as planes and helicopters. For those who are interested in flying, it is possible to go on a helicopter flight. This activity is very exciting. What should you know about it?

Getting ready for the flight

Before you get into a helicopter and take off for your flight, you should undergo a medical examination and listen to the instructions. What exactly is included in the process of preparing for a flight?

Helicopter flights are quite a popular attraction for adults and children, however, in some cases it is not allowed to participate in this activity.

When flying as a passenger, you should adequately assess your own physical condition. There is a specific list of diseases, in which air travel may be very harmful to health (you can see the list of there conditions below). If you have had health problems of this type for 2-3 weeks before the flight, it is worth to pass a medical examination the day before the flight and check the degree of health risk with a specialized doctor.

There is usually a small first-aid kit on board the aircraft, but in case of constant use of vital drugs, you should take them with you even on the half-hour flight and keep them in an easily accessible place: a pocket or a small bag.

If the helicopter flight is for a child, you should warn them in advance that it will be quite noisy and they will be given special noise-canceling headphones.

Preparation before piloting consists of a comprehensive check of the helicopter before the flight (you need to check the operation of engines, as well as navigational instruments and radios), clarification of weather reports. The flight will be canceled in case of a storm warning or just sudden strong wind for the safety of passengers and pilot. In addition, the pilot should prepare passengers before landing, i.e. give a brief instruction, explain his actions, and tell them the basic safety rules.

Contraindications

A helicopter rises to a high altitude, where there is a pressure drop and the amount of oxygen decreases. If a person has heart or vascular problems, he/she should consult a doctor before taking the flight. After surgeries, such a trip is prohibited.

People who suffer from blood clots are also at risk. During the trip, blood stagnates in the veins, and if there is a large pressure drop, blood clots may break off.

Before traveling by helicopter, you should consult your doctor if you suffer from aneurysm of the aorta, have pulmonary hypertension, have poor blood circulation or take hormones. Flights are also not recommended to those who suffer from claustrophobia and aerophobia.

A helicopter trip should be postponed even if a person has a common cold. Also, do not fly with respiratory illnesses and fever: you may experience severe earache and a sudden worsening of condition.

Scuba divers must take precautions, as well. At least 24 hours must pass since the last dive before the flight. The body is under severe stress at depth, and soaring up into the air can cause it serious harm. The same applies to ordinary tourists who like to snorkel.

Tips

There are situations when flying is necessary. If you are at risk, take heart medication, sedatives and vasoconstrictors, anti-seasickness medication, and before booking a flight check whether there is an oxygen pillow in the cabin. As a rule, the first aid kit of the helicopter has all necessary reliable modern medications.

During the flight it is not recommended to put a foot on the leg, so as not to squeeze the blood vessels. Since walking on the helicopter is forbidden, try to move your feet and toes, and use soft athletic shoes for that.

Eating in the cabin is usually forbidden, but you must drink water, because at high altitude you are likely to experience dehydration. It is better to give up alcohol, juices and sodas.

A helicopter is much lighter and smaller than an airplane, and therefore there are often jolts. If you suffer from motion sickness, be sure to eat before the flight, refuse coffee, take appropriate medicines in advance, and bring refreshing tissues and lemon slices with you.

During takeoff in a helicopter, as well as in an airplane your ears often get plugged. This should not make you frightened, just swallow your saliva or grab some mints. After gaining altitude, discomfort will pass.

Although modern helicopters have reliable noise-canceling systems, passengers in them are given headphones. Some take earplugs with them, but if you stop hearing anything at all, it is better to give them up.

It is better to use glasses than contact lenses during the flight. This is due to dehydration of the body, besides if there are problems with the lens in the helicopter, it will be very problematic to fix them.

It is customary to be quiet in the helicopter cabin, but if you feel unwell, do not hesitate to ask for help, do not tolerate pain and discomfort in silence. The medical facilities on board will help you survive the flight safely.

All in all, flying in a helicopter is a fascinating event that will give unforgettable emotions to everyone. It gives you an opportunity to experience a feeling of freedom and lightness, enjoy the beauty of the sky and the views of the surrounding nature. In addition, helicopter flights are much safer than parachuting sports.