

There is a lot of discussion over the safety of airplanes and airlines, but it is just as important to take the proper precautions when piloting a helicopter. Much like in an airplane, it is essential to carry emergency supplies and location transmitters. Without these essentials tools, your odds of survival in the event of a disaster are greatly diminished.
An emergency location transmitter (ELT) will transmit a signal informing rescue crews and other crafts of your exact position. A helicopter ELT offers multiple axes to account for the versatility of the craft. This means that regardless of your position in the air or on the ground, the system will be able to pinpoint you location.
Aviators are an adventurous sort, so it should come as no surprise that many of them indulge in a wide array of hobbies in addition to their passion for planes. It’s important to ensure personal safety in and out of the cockpit. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the warm summer climate by taking a hike in the woods, make sure that you’re prepared for any situation.
Beyond the usual hunting and survival supplies – a utility knife, some foodstuffs, plenty of drinking water, etc. – you should also guarantee a communication link with the outside world. It probably won’t be practical to bring a cell phone as your chances of getting reception in the remote wilderness are somewhere around zero. Instead, pack a personal locator beacon, which can act as a signal to authorities when you’re in distress.
Many people have a fear of flying, and news about plane crashes certainly doesn’t help ease that fear. Some people try to get over their fear by being brave and flying anyway. If you’re one of those people, you might want to bring an ELT and a survival kit with you on the plane. That way, in the event of a crash, you have a better chance of being rescued and surviving than you would otherwise.
You can also follow some aviation safety tips to help ease your mind as an airplane passenger. First, fly on nonstop routings. Most accidents occur during airplane takeoff, climb, descent and landing, so flying nonstop reduces the number of times you’re in those accident-prone phases of flight. Choose larger aircrafts – those with more than 30 seats – because those are designed and certified under the strictest regulations. Pay attention to the preflight briefing and note the emergency exits, flotation devices and oxygen masks. Always listen to the flight attendants and keep your seatbelt fastened while you are seated. Lastly, keep your wits about you. Try to stay calm in an emergency and you’ll be better able to survive.