What is the safe distance to stay from a helicopter with rotors in motion?

Staying a safe distance from a helicopter with rotors in motion is critical for operational safety. The correct answer indicates a safe distance of 100 feet. This distance is established based on the potential hazards posed by the rotor wash and the helicopter's moving parts.

At 100 feet, personnel are far enough away to minimize the risk of being impacted by the rotor wash, which can create wind gusts strong enough to unbalance or displace objects and individuals. Additionally, this distance helps ensure awareness of the helicopter's flight path and any potential maneuvers, contributing to overall situational awareness and safety for both personnel and aircraft operations.

While shorter distances may be permissible in some scenarios under controlled circumstances, they do not provide the same level of safety against the various dangers associated with helicopter operations, such as the risk of being struck by the helicopter or displaced by its rotor wash. Thus, maintaining a distance of 100 feet is a widely recognized standard for ensuring safety in the vicinity of a helicopter with spinning rotors.