Flying in the Unforgiving Wire Environment, by The Rotorcraft Collective

Michel MASSON • 10 March 2026

in community Rotorcraft

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Republished in the EASA Community Rotorcraft to raise awareness and further disseminate the safety promotion message.

Flying in the Unforgiving Wire Environment

The USHST and the FAA’s Rotorcraft Collective have developed new safety videos for the helicopter community. Their latest release dated December 2025, Flying in the Unforgiving Wire Environment, features Chris Hill, Senior Director of Safety at Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

This video is highlighted in the USHST WINTER 2026 eNewsletter – USHST.

Wire Environment, The Rotorcraft Collective 2, 2025.png

Flying in the Unforgiving Wire Environment (The Rotorcraft Collective)

Video pitch

Wire strikes have been among the top‑three causes of fatal helicopter accidents for more than a decade. Many pilots mistakenly believe they will have enough reaction time to detect and avoid wires, but the reality is that wires are often invisible until it is too late.

Wire‑Strike Avoidance Techniques

Look for powerline telltales, such as right‑of‑way clearing or support towers, and always cross transmission lines directly over support towers and above the topmast guide wires.
Assume that wires are present in any unfamiliar area until a thorough high reconnaissance confirms otherwise.
Maintain a sterile cockpit in the wire environment, and climb to safety if distraction or confusion occurs.
Stay above cables when you can.
When you cannot, use whatever information and technology is available to mitigate your risks.

Bottom line: If you want to fly to a higher standard, just fly higher!