That’s certainly not my opinion, but participants in a recent CBC talk show spoke strongly to this effect, reinforcing that a large percentage of our population have a negative view of our fling-wing machines. How could they possibly think that way when our services are so beneficial?

Could it be the police and emergency medical service helicopters droning overhead or the pervasive searchlights interrupting citizens’ peace and privacy at night? Or, could it be the well-publicized news helicopters crashing into busy downtown intersections after tail rotor failures or similarly disadvantaged helicopters bouncing across rooftops? How about the “gyro-gear-loose” pilot landing in a densely inhabited area and blowing dust, dirt and debris into every nook and cranny? The point is that we are often unaware of the opinion we leave with observers in the course of accomplishing our tasks. We see a successful autorotation with no injuries, and the public sees high-risk activities. If we wish to acquire more business revenue and increased profits, we need to convince the general public that helicopter flight is not only convenient but also safe and virtually no threat to the public.

Since improving public opinion is a daunting, long-term task, it requires a large progressive organization to head up the effort. For us, that likely means an industry group like the Helicopter Association of Canada. However, any efforts by HAC must be augmented by action from industry and individuals. What can we do?

First, pilots and operator management can improve public perception in the ways that we present ourselves. My mammy taught me that uniforms are attractive – because they garner respect. Professional presentation goes a long way toward potential customer confidence. Similarly, pre-flight safety briefings should be delivered in a manner that commands respect. There is a delicate balance between covering all of the mandatory safety items and leaving passengers struck with fear. Paying attention to their comfort during the flight is also important, including temperature and ventilation control, minimizing the effects of turbulence, and not scaring them by showing off your finesse by flying under wires and close to animal life. In other words, conduct your flight like an airline crew would. Remember, your prowess and service skills will be assessed and recounted by the occupant with the queasiest stomach….

Helicoptering should be safer now because our past accident record has forced Transport Canada to burden us with additional courses, more currency requirements, flight time (read revenue) limitations and additional training. And if our record doesn’t improve, it’s TC’s mandate to increase the regulatory burden – ad infinitum. Is this what we want? I think not! The likelihood of regulations being increased is directly proportional to the number of weak links in our industry. Pilots who take chances, break the law or risk their clientele should be reported to their company or to regulators. We can no longer afford them in our profession as they destroy it for everyone else.

The challenge is to complete the flight in an efficient, smooth manner that maximizes the safety margins for those who have entrusted you with their lives – to fly the perfect flight. On shutdown, if you can honestly concede absolutely nothing could have been performed better, you have succeeded. Good luck! While the goal may not be achievable, it’s worth striving toward and it brings the challenge back into flying – in a safe manner.

Similarly, companies need to meet the regulations for training and documentation and a host of other regulatory tasks. Yes, it’s a hassle and creates no cash flow, but if you don’t, you will be facing an increasingly higher wall of rules and paperwork and less time for creating profits.

We all know there are pilots and companies commonly violating safety practices and – in case you thought it was a big secret – Transport Canada knows too. It’s a lot easier for us to clean up our act than for the regulator to continue trying to push upward on a resistant rope. Don’t just talk about safety. As the young folks say; “Get real!” Failure on the part of management to convince aircrew to follow the regulations, without exception, will cause greater losses in decisionmaking freedom. Eventually we will be so controlled and regulated, our jobs will become similar to train conductors. Is this what we want?

If you are one of the companies that never break regulations or common-sense practices when it comes to safety, you can disregard the preceding….