If it repeats, is it new?

The first helicopter shows up in BC August 9, 1947 and sets to work finding work. Much was to be learned including the benefits of having an enclosed cabin and hearing protection.

Avoiding wire strikes might have become top of the list after a telephone wire brought down the machine September 1, three weeks later, putting the machine in the repair shop until the following spring.

Since then wires have been a constant hazard for low level helicopter operations. The mortality rate from wire strikes is high, frighteningly so, because of the loss of control that occurs while airborne and travelling at higher speeds adding high amounts of kinetic energy to the crash, therefore avoiding wires is in the interest of all who fly.

Due to lighting and background conditions, it is not possible to see all the wires all the time. It has been proven through experience (and multiple crashes) that it is not possible to remember wires all the time - many pilots have hit the wires they knew were there as they simply forgot about them.

So what to do? Crew can play an essential role in the prevention of wire strikes. Knowing what to look for and communicating precise and timely information can keep the helicopter and all those associated with it safe. Learn what to do and become part of the solution and perhaps the last wire strike has happened.

In Search of the Perfect Crew.