AC 91-32B

editorial update 2

Advisory circular · Safety In and Around Helicopters

Approved
April 26, 2021
Last reviewed
July 30, 2024
This change
Second editorial update to AC 91-32B.
Family
AC 91-32 · 3 versions
Revision
B
14 CFR parts
91, 133, 135, 137, 175

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 22, 2025.

Show pages 1–12
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Appendix 1

10. Keep cooking fires well clear of helispot.

11.

Loading assistants should always be supplied with plastic eye shields.

12.

After hooking up the cargo sling, move forward and to the side to signal pilot (to avoid entanglement and getting struck with loaded sling).

13.

When directing the machine for landing, stand with back to the wind and arms outstretched toward the landing pad.

Page 14 · 4Open in PDF

Appendix 1

14. When directing the pilot by radio, give no landing instructions that require acknowledgement because the pilot will have both hands busy.

15.

When moving larger crews:

a. Brief the crew on safety procedures.

b. Keep them together and well back at the side of the landing zone. (This provides a clear area for the pilot in the event he/she has to land suddenly during either landing or takeoff.)

c. Have them face away from the machine during landing and takeoff.

d. Have each person look after his/her own personal gear.

e. Have persons paired off and ready to get aboard as soon as the pilot gives the signal.

Page 15 · 1Open in PDF

Appendix 2 APPENDIX 2. HAND SIGNALS The following signals are given by a signalman to an aircraft. The signalman should face the aircraft from a position where the signalman can readily be seen by the pilot.

THIS AREA: Arms above head in vertical position with palms facing inward.

M OVE FORWARD: Arms a little aside, palms facing backward and repeatedly moved upward-backward from shoulder height.

Page 16 · 2Open in PDF

Appendix 2 MOVE TO LEFT: Right arm extended horizontally sideways in direction of movement and other arm swung overhead in same direction in a repeating movement.

M OVE TO RIGHT: Left arm extended horizontally sideways in direction of movement and other arm swung overhead in same direction in a repeating movement.

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Appendix 2 STOP: Arms held crossed overhead.

CH OCKS INSERTED: Arms down, palms facing backward, clenched fists, thumbs extended inward, move arms from extended position inward.

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Appendix 2 CHOCKS REMOVED: Arms down, palm facing forward, clenched fists, thumbs extended outward, move arms from extended position outward.

S LOW DOWN: Arms down with palms toward ground, then moved up and down several times.

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Appendix 2 MOVE REARWARD: Arms by sides, palms facing forward, swept forward and upward repeatedly to shoulder height.

ALL CLE AR: Right arm raised at elbow with thumb erect.

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Appendix 2 HOVER: Arms extended horizontally sideways, palm downward.

M OVE UPWARD: Arms extended horizontally sideways, beckoning upward with palms turned up.

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Appendix 2 MOVE DOWNWARD: Arms extended horizontally sideways, beckoning downwards with palm turned down.

LAND: A rms crossed and extended downward in front of the body.

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Appendix 2 CUT ENGINE(S): Either arm and hand level with shoulder, hand moving across throat.

M OVE HOOK UP OR DOWN: Right fist held above head; left arm extended horizontally, palm facing outward, then swept down or up to indicate direction of hook movement.

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Appendix 2 HOOKUP: Hands raised alternately above the head in a rope-climbing motion to take up slack.

REL EASE SLING LOAD: Left arm extended forward horizontally, fist clenched, right hand making horizontal slicing movement below the left fist, palm downward.

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Appendix 2 TAKEOFF: The right hand is moved in a circular motion overhead, ending in a throwing motion in the direction of takeoff. Also means load clear, hookup good.

AF FIRMATIVE SIGNAL: Hand raised, thumb up.