1. Helicopters cannot be relied on to fly in a precise pattern, especially in a hover, where flying accuracy may be adversely affected by changing natural conditions such as wind, air density, temperature, gross weight, humidity, and time of day. Man made conditions such as weight load, explosives disturbing air flow around the tail rotor, and center of gravity can also affect the helicopter's ability to fly. Special precautions should be given to ensuring safety when working in any extreme temperatures or terrain, e.g., mountains and deserts.
2. Communication between ground and air shall be established on approved aviation band radios at all times during operation of the helicopter using one ground contact.
3. The individual attached to the helicopter support truck shall be designated as the person to supervise safety around the helicopter, if qualified. If a support truck is unavailable or the driver is not qualified, the aerial coordinator shall designate one person as the ground safety contact with no other responsibilities.
4. No smoking within 50 feet of the helicopter or support fuel truck.
5. Remain at least 50 feet away from the helicopter unless directed by the aerial coordinator. Under no circumstances should you approach the helicopter without permission from the ground safety coordinator or the pilot.
6. Approach and leave the helicopter only from the front. If the engine is running, and prior to your approach to the helicopter:

1. Make acknowledged eye contact with the pilot.
2. Proceed to the helicopter only after the pilot has acknowledged your presence and waves you forward, never run
3. Walk, looking forward at all times
4. Never walk downhill towards a helicopter
5. Never walk uphill away from a helicopter

7. Never walk near or around the rear and tail sections of the helicopter.
8. Never walk under tail section of helicopter.
9. Carry all equipment parallel to the ground when within 50 feet of a helicopter. Do not vertically extend any equipment, i.e., cameras, lights, or sound boom, into rotor blades, rotating or not.
10. The pilot is at all times the final authority over the helicopter and shall be in command over all flying operations and/or activities.
11. Never under any circumstance throw anything such as grip tape, clothing, paper, etc. around the helicopter whether it is running or not.
12. The landing area should be cleared of debris and, where necessary, wet down. Do not wear any loose clothing that may blow off, such as hats, when operating near a running helicopter.
13. Protect your eyes as well as your equipment when helicopter is landing or taking off. Ensure all equipment is tied down or stored away from the area.
14. Landing area, intended flight paths, designated emergency landing sites, and location, as well as types of explosives or squibs should be noted on plot plans and graphics. A preflight safety eeting shall be held and documented with appropriate personal involved in the sequence.
15. When carrying external loads, equipment or people, a spotter is required in the aircraft who has intercom communication with the pilot.
16. During flight carrying external loads, populated areas and structures shall be avoided.
17. While hovering and the external pendant or hoist is lowered, care should be taken by the ground personnel to dissipate the build up of a static electric charge from the helicopter. A grounding wand may be necessary.
18. Air crew are required to wear all required Personnel Protective Equipment as required.
19. A pilot shall possess an approved Motion Picture Flight manual, and submit a copy to the production company prior to all helicopter operations. A certificate of waiver, for low altitude or aerobatic maneuvers, shall be current and incorporated in this manual.
20. When working on location or utilizing Department of Defense aircraft, local agencies, regional police, fire, or park department regulations or military guidelines may vary from this bulletin. The more stringent guidelines will always be in effect. Additionally permits may be required for landing or refueling operations.
21. Before a stunt or sequence is to be performed, all persons involved shall be thoroughly briefed as to any potential hazards and safety questions prior to the filming.

	Per FAA guidelines, the persons necessary for the filming will be briefed as to any potential hazards and safety questions prior to filming.
	A preplanned stunt may not be changed in any way without the authorization of the pilot and the aerial coordinator.
	If there is a question as to safety of any aerial filming sequence involving low, over-the-camera shots, a briefing will be held between the pilot and concerned persons as to whether the use of a locked-off camera is necessary.

22. If safety becomes a question at any time, the aerial coordinator or the involved pilot shall have the authority and the responsibility to call an abort of the operation. The pilot will have the ultimate authority to abort any operation. Abort signals should be specified ahead of time.
23. Rotor blades and fuselage can be easily damaged while on the ground. Never push, handle, sit on or in, or lay any objects of any kind on an aircraft without the pilot's permission.

	If a foreign object falls into or against an aircraft, report it immediately to the pilot or aerial coordinator.
	Never allow cast or crew to occupy an aircraft while engines are started or running, unless the pilot is in full command.

24. The front of the studio call sheet should contain a statement to the effect that: "An aircraft is being used and will be flown in close proximity to crew and equipment. Anyone objecting will notify the production manager or 1st AD prior to any filming."