What is the recommended safety clothing around rotary wing aircraft?

Long sleeves are recommended safety clothing around rotary wing aircraft because they provide necessary protection from potential hazards commonly encountered in aviation environments. When working near helicopters or other rotary wing aircraft, personnel are exposed to various risks, such as rotating blades, heat, and potential chemical spills. Long sleeves offer a barrier against cuts, abrasions, and even burns from engine components or other hot surfaces that may be present.

Additionally, long sleeves help to shield the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays if working outdoors, as well as provide some level of protection against the cold in cooler climates. This clothing choice is practical, as it balances safety considerations with the need for comfort and mobility in a dynamic work environment.

While high-visibility jackets are crucial for enhancing visibility to prevent accidents, they are not specifically focused on direct protection from physical hazards in close proximity to rotatory wing aircraft. Body armor is generally not necessary for standard operations around such aircraft, as it applies more to combat or high-risk situations. Flight suits do offer functional advantages, including pockets and accommodations for harnesses, but long sleeves specifically address the need for skin protection in the context of potential operational risks.