When it comes to flying in a helicopter, safety should be the number one priority. For many helicopter pilots, having a co-pilot or passenger onboard is an important part of their flying routine. However, not all two-seat helicopters provide the same level of safety and comfort. Choosing the right model is crucial for avoiding potential hazards and ensuring all occupants can fly confidently.
Some key factors that determine the overall safety of a two-seat helicopter include the design, autorotation capabilities, crashworthiness, and availability of modern safety technologies. Additionally, larger cabins with ergonomic seating, extensive visibility, and lower noise levels also contribute to a more enjoyable and less fatiguing flight experience.
By comparing specifications, crash test results, and safety reviews, we can determine which two-seat helicopters stand out as offering the most protection and peace of mind. This article will explore five of the top models in terms of safety, highlighting their key features and performance in various tests and analyses. Having this information allows pilots and passengers to make educated decisions about which aircraft to trust with their lives.
Safety Features to Look For
When evaluating and comparing the safety of two-seat helicopters, here are some of the main features and capabilities to consider:
Crashworthiness
How well does the helicopter hold up in the event of an accident? Crashworthy designs include reinforced frames, energy-absorbing landing gear, and deformable fuel tanks to reduce the shock transferred to occupants.
Autorotation Capabilities
Does the helicopter allow for a safe landing in the event of engine failure? Effective autorotation capabilities give pilots the best chance of touching down uneventfully after power loss.
Advanced Technologies
Modern amenities like airbags, crash-resistant seats, stability augmentation systems, night vision compatibility, traffic collision avoidance systems, and terrain awareness warning systems greatly improve safety margins.
Pilot and Passenger Ergonomics
A spacious, comfortable cabin with ample legroom, sturdy grab handles, and supportive seats helps reduce pilot fatigue and allows for easier emergencies egress when needed.
Visibility
Ample windows, slim structural supports, retractable door windows, and glass cockpit displays provide maximum visibility for the pilot during all phases of flight.
Keeping these criteria in mind, let’s take a closer look at five of the safest two-seat helicopter models available today.
1. Airbus H125
Previously known as the Eurocopter AS350, the Airbus Helicopters H125 is a tried-and-true light utility helicopter with an excellent safety record. It is widely used for sightseeing tours, police work, news gathering, and air ambulance services.
Here are some of the standout safety features of the H125:
Crashworthiness
The H125’s rigid main structure, integrated energy-absorbing landing gear, and deformable fuel tanks allow it to withstand loads up to 20g. These qualities have enabled it to earn the highest crash safety rankings.
Autorotation Capabilities
The H125’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and articulated main rotor system give pilots precise control in autorotation scenarios. Timely entries into autorotation are essential for safe landings following power losses.
Advanced Technologies
Optional flight assistance through Helionix’s 4-axis autopilot, stability augmentation, and glass cockpit make workload easier on the pilot. Traffic collision alerting capabilities boost situational awareness. Night vision goggle compatibility allows for safer operations in dark conditions.
Pilot/Passenger Ergonomics
The enclosed cabin suits most body types comfortably. Seats absorb 26g of energy in crash scenarios. Large windows on all sides give outstanding external visibility from both cockpit seats.
With its winning safety mix, it’s easy to see why the H125 remains a top choice for those who put safety first. Over 10,000 have been delivered since initial production began in the 1970s.
2. Bell 429
Bell Helicopter’s 429 light twin model sets new standards for safety and reliability. This helicopter is designed to minimize hazards through redundancy, crashworthiness, and advanced avionics.
Key safety attributes include:
Crashworthiness
The 429 utilizes impact-absorbing composites and landing gear to meet the most stringent crashworthiness requirements. Fuel system integrity is maintained even in severe rollovers.
Redundancy
With two engines instead of one, engine failure becomes much less of a concern. The 429 can continue flying even on just one engine. Critical components and computer systems are duplicated to prevent single points of failure.
Advanced Avionics
The fully integrated glass cockpit features a Garmin touchscreen flight display loaded with navigation and situational awareness tools that significantly reduce pilot workload. The standard HTAWS terrain avoidance system gives alerts to prevent controlled flight into terrain. Airbag seatbelts are integrated for both occupants.
Pilot/Passenger Comfort
The spacious cabin offers outstanding visibility thanks to large windows and narrow structural supports. Sound insulation allows for easy communication without headsets. Ergonomic seats and ample legroom reduce fatigue.
With double or nothing on safety through its redundant critical systems, the Bell 429 gives occupants an extra peace of mind in the air.
3. Airbus H130
Another offering from Airbus Helicopters, the H130 implements safety advancements over previous models like the AS350. It’s widely used for air tours, offshore transport, emergency medical services, and other utility roles.
Safety advantages include:
Crashworthiness
Reinforced structural composites around the cabin allow it to maintain integrity in hard landings. The fuel system is designed to prevent post-crash fires. Energy-absorbing landing gear reduces transmitted forces.
Improved Visibility
The wrap-around cockpit windows have been enlarged, letting pilots see more of the surrounding environment. The chin window prevents loss of visual references.
Latest Avionics
The H130 comes equipped with an advanced glass cockpit, autopilot, and optional terrain awareness and warning system. Two GPS navigation systems allow for redundancy.
Passenger Comfort
Up to 7 passengers can be accommodated in the flat-floor cabin. Cabin width has increased compared to previous models, improving comfort. Acoustic insulation reduces noise levels for easier conversation.
While retaining many of the flight qualities that made the AS350 a success, the H130 brings improved safety and visibility to this trusted helicopter platform.
4. Robinson R66
The Robinson R66 has become renowned for its simplicity and safety. This 5-seat turbine model is the largest helicopter in the Robinson line, which also includes popular two-seat piston models like the R44 and R22.
Key safety advantages of the R66:
Enclosed Tail Rotor
The R66 utilizes an enclosed fan-style tail rotor which improves safety on the ground and in flight. This design eliminates the hazards associated with an exposed tail rotor.
Simplicity
The design philosophy of Robinson helicopters emphasizes simplicity for improved reliability and ease of maintenance. Fewer components mean less can go wrong.
Effective Autorotation
The R66 maintains energy in an autorotation very well thanks to its low rotor inertia and low gross weight. Practice autorotations can be performed safely to departures below 3000 feet.
Crashworthy Structure
The cabin structure and seats are designed to protect occupants in otherwise fatal crash scenarios by absorbing energy. Fuel tanks are bladder-style for crash integrity.
While it lacks some of the advanced technologies found in larger helicopters, the R66’s basic yet effective safety features make it a great economical choice.
5. MD Helicopters MD 500 Series
The lightweight MD 500 first flew in 1963 and continues production today due to its versatility, performance, and overall safety. It is popular as a trainer and for military roles.
Key safety features:
Crashworthiness
The airframe structure incorporates aluminum honeycomb materials and crumple zones to dissipate crash forces. The landing gear collapses to absorb energy.
Reliability
The simple and robust rotor system is resistant to entering uncontrolled flight regimes, improving handling safety margins. Over 50 years of refinement has optimized reliability.
High Visibility
The large glass cabin and slim structural design give excellent outward visibility to enhance collision avoidance. The chin window prevents settling with power.
Effective Autorotations
slow rotor rpm ensures steady autorotation characteristics. The low inertia rotor allows for high rates of descent, permitting touchdown with minimal forward airspeed.
With excellent visibility, benign handling, and proven reliability, the MD 500 series has earned its reputation as a safe and dependable light helicopter over its long history.
Comparison Table
| Model | Crash Safety Rating | Equipped with Autopilot | Traffic Collision Alerting | Air Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus H125 | Highest | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bell 429 | Excellent | Standard | Not Available | Standard |
| Airbus H130 | Excellent | Optional | Optional | Not Available |
| Robinson R66 | Good | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| MD 500 | Good | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Conclusion
When comparing the most important safety criteria like crashworthiness, autorotation capabilities, and adoption of modern technologies, the Airbus H125 stands out as the safest two seat helicopter overall. Its track record of protecting occupants in accidents combined with extensive safety features make it hard to beat. However, all five models profiled have sound safety résumés that should provide peace of mind.
No helicopter model is immune from risks and accidents under all circumstances. But by selecting aircraft with excellent design, redundancies, crashworthiness, and the latest protections like autopilots and terrain awareness, pilots can stack the odds of safe flight significantly in their favor. Manufacturers continue innovating new safety solutions, giving two-seat helicopter travelers an increasing number of great options.
