What is generally considered a safe practice regarding helicopter flight planning?

Including contingency plans for unexpected changes in helicopter flight planning is essential for maintaining safety. Flight operations can be unpredictable due to various factors such as changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or unexpected air traffic events. By having a contingency plan, a pilot can respond effectively to these challenges, ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers. This proactive approach allows for adjustments in routing, landing sites, or even altering the flight schedule as necessary, which can be crucial for effective decision-making in flight.

While flying at optimal cruise speed, during daylight hours, or with dual pilot crews are also good practices for safety, they do not address the variability and unpredictability inherent in aviation. Effective flight planning must include strategies to manage those uncertainties, which is why contingency planning stands out as a critical component of safe helicopter operations.