Seguridad

NextNorth Operating Rules and Flight Safety FAQs

How we select our Operators

Operators who own, manage and maintain aircraft in our accessible fleet have been specifically chosen to work with NextNorth based on high safety standards, industry-leading equipment maintenance programs and conservative operating protocols. They have been vetted by NextNorth and third party helicopter industry experts and are audited quarterly.

All our operators are subject to the AESA regulation for commercial helicopters, which requires a high level of flight supervision, including stricter safety standards than for other types of flight, which contribute to a reduced incident rate that it is less than half the rate of non-commercial helicopter flights.

Passenger safety

All passengers must provide a valid government ID for check-in at all NextNorth departure points. NextNorth digitally verifies the names of all passengers, registers the weight of the traveler and determines the dimensions and weight of the luggage to ensure that they are within the specifications of the operator and the mandates of the AESA. NextNorth also helps operators place passengers in specific seats within the aircraft based on considerations of the center of gravity and the size or weight of the people flying. Pilots make final determinations based on the aforementioned evaluations.

NextNorth trains all of its field representatives in «fit-to-fly» passenger screenings. We reserve the right to prohibit unruly, intoxicated, disruptive or unfit to fly passengers from flying, at the sole discretion of NextNorth and/or its operators. Smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vaping is prohibited inside the aircraft.

Frequent questions

Does NextNorth organize flights in both jet engine and piston engine helicopters?

All flights sold by NextNorth for both seat and charter are operated on aircraft powered by jet turbines. Every NextNorth operator is vetted for safety and reliability to ensure the highest level of service.

When should you fly a twin-engine helicopter instead of a single-engine helicopter?

Twin-engine helicopters are largely adopted for the ability to carry a heavier aircraft fuselage, as well as to maximize passenger and baggage weight limits, not for operational redundancy from a safety perspective.

When do you need two pilots instead of one?

NextNorth Operators will generally make the decision based on the type of helicopter used. Cockpit helicopters like the Sikorsky S-76 always fly with two pilots for all operations.

On what occasions will NextNorth proactively cancel flights?

NextNorth will cancel a flight when our team believes the flight may experience a higher than average level of turbulence. This is not a safety issue, but a precaution to ensure that passengers do not feel uncomfortable.

NextNorth will also cancel a flight when there is a reasonable possibility that the weather at the final destination may cause a flight to be diverted to an airport or heliport significantly away from the scheduled destination.

While weather deviations are always a possibility, regardless of our weather expectations, NextNorth arranges ground transportation upon landing to get passengers to their final destinations.

Is it true that helicopters can hover?

Yes it’s correct. While most people believe that helicopters cannot fly without engine power, the reality is that they can safely hover long distances in a safety procedure called autorotation. All certified pilots in Spain perform full automatic rotation exercises during training.

Is it true that traveling by helicopter is safer than by car?

Yes it’s correct. A recent analysis by travel website The Points Guy found that traveling by helicopter is up to two-thirds safer than traveling in a car or SUV. Additionally, the Business Insider website found that helicopter accidents are extremely rare and declining.

What are some useful statistics about helicopter safety?

Less than 10% of reported helicopter incidents involve passenger helicopter operations (excluding tourist flights and gateless flights) versus other types of helicopter missions. The vast majority of incidents occur when helicopters are conducting missions such as pilot training exercises, aircraft repositioning, non-commercial personal flights, and utility/construction work.