The DANGER of doors off Helicopter Flights!

Learn more at www.HelicopterGround.com. You can also text or call Helicopter Online Ground School, LLC Member Support at 574-767-1797. Email [e-mail]
As the creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (HOGS), I recently went on my first doors off flight of the year. It was an exhilarating experience, but one that requires a great deal of caution and safety precautions.
During the flight, I took the time to make sure that nothing would fly out of the Robinson R-44 and into the tail rotor. This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of both the passengers and the helicopter itself. Even the smallest object, such as a camera lens cap or a loose item of clothing, can cause significant damage to the tail rotor or other parts of the helicopter if it is sucked in during flight.
Following this flight, a fellow operator emailed me to ask if I take the necessary precautions when flying doors off. I thanked the operator for the reminder and decided to make a video to share my safety precautions for doors off helicopter flight. This video highlights the importance of proper preparation and careful consideration of potential hazards before takeoff.
It's essential to remember that doors off helicopter flight comes with inherent dangers. While it provides an unparalleled view and experience, it's crucial to prioritize safety above all else. To ensure the safety of everyone on board, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to secure loose items and prevent them from flying out of the helicopter during flight.
At HOGS, we prioritize safety in all our training courses. That's why we are pleased to offer our Final Approach Course, designed to help people finish up their helicopter rating. With spots filling up quickly, we encourage you to contact HOGS today to reserve your Final Approach Course.
In conclusion, doors off helicopter flight can be a thrilling experience, but it's crucial to prioritize safety above all else. Remember to take the necessary precautions before takeoff and secure any loose items that could become a hazard during flight. At HOGS, we remain committed to providing the highest quality helicopter training while prioritizing safety at all times.
Fly safe!
Kenny Keller, Creator of Helicopter Online Ground School, LLC.

[@ryancrazy1]

my right ear loved this video!

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for your feedback

[@ottoroth9377]

Kenny...the most Interesting thing in your hanger I would love to have is that 442 you are hiding!😂

[@HelicopterGround]

My dream car!

[@ottoroth9377]

@@HelicopterGround yea I guess so...my brother had a 65 442...the large rectangle body style...damn car had a 460 V8 in it!

[@rossodonnell5933]

Ft Rucker AL, circa 2016… lost my Basic Warfighter Skills map out the door of a Kiowa, literally almost started crying IYKYK

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for sharing Ross!

[@harleyd9857]

That warfighter map takes days to prepare. Was Edwards or Sullins one of your instructors? I miss the OH-58Ds.

[@ottoroth9377]

Good Ole Ft Rucker....beautiful post! We were issued knee boards, kept it strapped to my left thigh. Only thing I didn't like about it was when you walked, it kept sliding down my leg!

[@kevinvt4174]

In California about 30 years ago I worked in a pilot shop part time and sold a sectional map to a new student and she was killed about an hour later (doors off) when her knee pad came loose and hit the tail she was flying an R-22..

[@HelicopterGround]

Very well could be the same accident ai was discussed in the video! Thanks for the feedback!

[@ticenits1926]

Was this kneeboard made of metal? I honestly can't imagine something like that destroying a tail rotor, they have some tolerance for impacts don't they?

[@kevinvt4174]

@@ticenits1926 Yes, the knee board was made out of aluminum. I don't know if Robinson tail rotors are a composite or aluminum but yes, it took it out. At the time I was building time in a Bell 47 and they have metal tail rotors.

[@lookingforwookiecopilot]

​@@kevinvt4174 The tragic irony is that we don't need metal clipboards on our kneeboards as we can't really write things down while flying an R22.
Anyway, I put an additional leg strap on my kneeboard, then an elastic band around my chart, 'cause ain't no way I was flying an R22 with my door on,...especially on dual flights.

[@ticenits1926]

You know I bet you could fabricate a little shroud for the exhaust pipe to help deflect the soot from staining the rear, kind of like what you see on some turboprop airplanes

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@joobyzat1221]

Gotta take the doors off to fly skydivers!

[@HelicopterGround]

Of course! Not the point of the video!

[@filthyusratus]

Nice yellow flying coffin ⚰️ 😂

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for your feedback