Helicopters and Rotor Wash
Rotor wash can cause strong turbulence, outflow and FOD – give hovering or low helicopters plenty of space and time, and delay your approach if needed.
1 min readKapiti Aero Club safety team
Accidents involving helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft – including one in the United States – are a reminder of the hazards helicopters can create for other aircraft, particularly during landing and take-off.
While IMZ is a relatively small helicopter, larger helicopters regularly operate through Paraparaumu, including rescue and other specialist aircraft. Rotor wash can produce significant and sometimes unexpected turbulence, strong outflow and rapidly changing wind conditions near the ground. Loose debris can also be lifted by the downwash, creating a FOD hazard for nearby aircraft.
For fixed-wing pilots, the key takeaway is to give hovering or low-level helicopters plenty of space and time. If a helicopter has recently been operating near the runway or approach path:
- consider where its rotor wash and outflow will go
- communicate with the helicopter pilot where appropriate
- don't be afraid to delay your approach if conditions warrant it
This is particularly important at aerodromes where helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft share the same operating area. Keep a good lookout, maintain appropriate separation, and give rotor wash the respect it deserves.