What distance from the landing zone is recommended to avoid rotowash?

What distance from the landing zone is recommended to avoid rotowash?

• A. 50 ft
• B. 100 ft
• C. 150 ft
• D. 200 ft

Answer: (D)

Rotor wash from the helicopter creates a strong downwash that can lift debris, kick up dust, and push or toss people and gear off balance. The intensity of that downwash is highest close to the landing zone and gradually decreases with distance as the airflow spreads and dissipates. Being about two hundred feet away places you far enough from the rotor’s core to avoid the strongest gusts and flying debris, reducing the risk to personnel and equipment and making ropework safer. Closer than that keeps you in the potent downwash where debris and gusts remain a hazard, which is why shorter distances aren’t recommended.

Rotor wash from the helicopter creates a strong downwash that can lift debris, kick up dust, and push or toss people and gear off balance. The intensity of that downwash is highest close to the landing zone and gradually decreases with distance as the airflow spreads and dissipates. Being about two hundred feet away places you far enough from the rotor’s core to avoid the strongest gusts and flying debris, reducing the risk to personnel and equipment and making ropework safer. Closer than that keeps you in the potent downwash where debris and gusts remain a hazard, which is why shorter distances aren’t recommended.