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Samburu chopper crash: 5 surprising things most people don’t know about helicopters
21st August, 2026 04:55 PM
Helicopters are unlike most other forms of air transport, mainly because they can move in directions that planes cannot.
Their rotors allow them to take off and land vertically, while also moving forward, backwards, and sideways.
For some passengers, a helicopter ride can be exciting, while others may find the experience frightening. Beyond the views and the thrill, there are several interesting facts about helicopters that many people may not know.
1. Helicopters are different from planes
Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters rely on rotating blades to stay in the air. This design gives them the ability to take off and land without needing a long runway.
The rotors also allow helicopters to hover in one place and move in several directions. This makes them useful in situations and locations where conventional planes may not be suitable.
2. They can be extremely noisy
Anyone who has stood near a helicopter knows that the sound can be hard to miss. Much of the noise comes from the main rotor as it spins rapidly and pushes large amounts of air.
The movement of the rotor creates changes in air pressure, contributing to the loud sound associated with helicopters. The aircraft can also shake during flight, something that may surprise first-time passengers.
3. The US has the largest helicopter fleet
The United States has more helicopters than any other country. Its large fleet includes both civilian and military aircraft used for different purposes. Russia, India and China also have large numbers of helicopters, although they remain behind the United States in terms of the size of their fleets.
4. A helicopter can reach Mount Everest
Reaching the top of Mount Everest by helicopter sounds almost impossible, but it has been done under special conditions. The biggest challenge is the extreme altitude and the thin air at the mountain’s summit.
Most helicopters are designed to operate at much lower altitudes, with many reaching around 10,000 feet. Helicopters used for high-altitude operations need larger rotors and more powerful engines to deal with the reduced air pressure.
5. Prince William trained as a helicopter pilot
Britain’s Prince William is also a trained helicopter pilot. He completed his pilot training in 2008 and later became a full-time helicopter pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force in 2009.
His time as a pilot eventually came to an end in 2013 as he took on more official duties. His training, however, remains one of the lesser-known parts of his career.
