identical physical characteristics but different lifting capabilities, this knowledge is essential. For example, a hookup person may be working with a turbocharged helicopter on a high altitude project when a non-tur- bocharged helicopter, which looks exactly the same to the ground crew, comes to pick up a load. If the hookup person attaches a load greater than the  non-turbocharged helicopter can handle, a potentially dangerous situation could exist. Second, know the pilots. The safest plan is to stan- dardize all pilots in the manner in which sling loads are picked up and released. Without pilot standardiza- tion, the operation could be hazardous. The operator should standardize the pilots on operations while  personnel are beneath the helicopter. Third, know the cargo. Many items carried via sling are very fragile, others can take a beating. The hookup per- son should always know when a hazardous article is involved and the nature of the hazard, such as explo- sives, radioactive materials, and toxic chemicals. In addition to knowing this, the hookup person should be familiar with the types of protective gear or clothing and the actions necessary to protect their own safety and that of the operation. Since few helicopters carry cabin attendants, you, as the pilot, will have to conduct the pre-takeoff and pre- landing briefings. The type of operation dictates what sort of briefing is necessary. All briefings should include the following: Fourth, know appropriate hand signals. When direct radio communications between ground and flight per- sonnel are not used, the specific meaning of hand  signals should be coordinated prior to operations. Fifth, know emergency procedures. Ground and flight personnel should fully agree to and understand the actions to be taken by all participants in the event of emergencies. This prior planning is essential to avoid injuries to all concerned. PASSENGERS— All persons who board a helicopter while its rotors are turning should be instructed in the safest means of doing so. Naturally, if you are at the controls, you may not be able to conduct a boarding briefing. Therefore, the individual who arranged for the passengers' flight or is assigned as the ramp attendant should accomplish this task. The exact procedures may vary slightly from one helicopter model to another, but in general the following should suffice. When boarding— When passengers are approaching or leaving a helicop- ter that is sitting on a slope with the rotors turning, they should approach and depart downhill. This affords the greatest distance between the rotor blades and the ground. If this involves walking around the helicopter, they should always go around the front, never the rear. 9-4 4. carry tools horizontally, below waist level, never upright or over the shoulder. 3. approach from the side or front, but never out of the pilot's line of vision. 2. approach or leave the helicopter in a crouching manner. 1. stay away from the rear of the helicopter. •  when carrying flammable or hazardous  materials. •  during all ground operations. •  during, takeoff or landing. 5. Smoking should not be permitted within 50 feet of an aircraft on the ground. Smoking could be permitted, at the discretion of the pilot, except under the following conditions: 4. Passengers should be instructed as to what actions and precautions to take in the event of an emergency, such as the body position for best spinal protection against a high vertical impact landing (erect with back firmly against the seat back); and when and how to exit after landing. Ensure that passengers are aware of the location of the fire extinguisher and survival equipment. 3. For flights over rough or isolated terrain, all occupants should be told where maps and sur- vival gear are located. 2. For overwater flights, the location and use of flotation gear and other survival equipment that might be on board. You should also include how and when to abandon the helicopter should a ditching be necessary.  1. The use and operation of seatbelts for takeoff, en route, and landing. 9. never grope or feel your way toward or away from the helicopter. 8. if suddenly blinded by dust or a blowing object, stop and crouch lower; or better yet, sit down and wait for help. 7. protect eyes by shielding them with a hand or by squinting. 6. never reach up or dart after a hat or other object that might be blown off or away. 5. hold firmly to hats and loose articles.