What is rotor wash and what hazards does it create for ground personnel?

What is rotor wash and what hazards does it create for ground personnel?

• A. The downward air from the rotor; can knock you over, blow debris, and impair visibility.
• B. A protective shield around the rotor that reduces noise.
• C. The process of balancing rotor blades during maintenance.
• D. The force when the helicopter accelerates on the ground.

Answer: (A)

Rotor wash is the strong downward flow of air produced by the rotor as it pushes air down to create lift. On the ground, that downwash moves outward and can affect nearby personnel. The hazards come from this air current: it can knock a person off balance, blow loose objects or debris toward people, and impair visibility by blowing dust, dirt, or debris into faces and eyes. This wind can also push light equipment, creating additional danger in the helicopter’s vicinity. The other descriptions don’t match what rotor wash is or the risks it poses.

Rotor wash is the strong downward flow of air produced by the rotor as it pushes air down to create lift. On the ground, that downwash moves outward and can affect nearby personnel. The hazards come from this air current: it can knock a person off balance, blow loose objects or debris toward people, and impair visibility by blowing dust, dirt, or debris into faces and eyes. This wind can also push light equipment, creating additional danger in the helicopter’s vicinity. The other descriptions don’t match what rotor wash is or the risks it poses.