Tail rotor position is where

• A. 9 o'clock; 10-15 yards
• B. 12 o'clock; 5-10 yards
• C. 6 o'clock; 10-15 yards
• D. 3 o'clock; 10-15 yards

Answer: (C)

The tail rotor is located at the rear of the helicopter, so the dangerous area is directly behind the aircraft. That’s why the safe position is behind the helicopter, at a distance of about 10 to 15 yards, to stay clear of the rotor’s arc and the downwash. Being in front or to the side would place you outside the tail rotor’s rotation zone, which isn’t where the tail rotor hazard lies.