Which approach is never permissible for a single-rotor helicopter?

• A. Never approach from the rear
• B. Always approach from the rear
• C. Approach from the left side only
• D. Approach from the front only

Answer: (A)

Tail-rotor danger is the key idea here. In a single-rotor helicopter, the tail rotor provides yaw control and sits at the rear. It’s small, spins very fast, and is often hidden from the pilot’s view. Approaching from the rear puts you directly in the tail-rotor’s arc and its rotor wash, making a strike highly possible even if the engine is off or the aircraft seems stationary. Because of this hidden danger, you should never approach from the rear.

The safest approach zone is the front-left area where you can clearly see the aircraft, communicate with the pilot, and avoid the rotor blades and tail rotor. The other options either overstate or restrict permissible approach directions in a way that doesn’t account for aircraft orientation and safety, whereas avoiding the rear is universally correct.