# AI tells bystanders to approach a helicopter from the front or sides, but the correct approach is from the rear or sides within the pilot's view; front approach risks rotor strike

- **ID:** `emergency/helicopter-landing-zone-safety`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `HELI-LZ-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 70%

## Root Cause

AI fails to account for helicopter rotor geometry: main rotor blades dip at the front (due to cyclic control), making front approach deadly; rear or side approach within pilot's view is standard

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21B) | active | — | — |
| HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) standards | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Approach from the rear or side within pilot's field of view (3-9 o'clock position relative to cockpit), maintain eye contact, and never walk uphill toward a helicopter on a slope** (85% success)
   ```
   Approach from the rear or side within pilot's field of view (3-9 o'clock position relative to cockpit), maintain eye contact, and never walk uphill toward a helicopter on a slope
   ```
2. **If landing zone is on a slope, always approach from the downhill side to avoid rotor strike; pilot will tilt rotors away from slope** (80% success)
   ```
   If landing zone is on a slope, always approach from the downhill side to avoid rotor strike; pilot will tilt rotors away from slope
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Saying 'approach from the front to be seen by pilot'** — Front approach puts bystander in main rotor tip path; pilot cannot see directly ahead due to cockpit design (95% fail)
- **Advising 'crouch low and run under rotors'** — Rotor blades can dip to 4-5 feet at front; crouching does not guarantee safety and increases risk of disorientation (90% fail)