What is the gesture for alerting a helicopter it is clear to start its engine?

• A. Wave
• B. Thumbs Up
• C. Salute
• D. Circular Motion Above Head with Right Arm

Answer: (D)

In helicopter ground operations, clear, standardized hand signals are used to communicate actions when radios aren’t enough or as a backup. The gesture of raising the arm above the head and making a circular motion with the right hand is the explicit signal to start the engine. It visually suggests the rotor turning and is easy for the pilot to see from a distance or in noisy conditions. Other gestures like a wave, a thumbs-up, or a salute don’t convey the specific action of engine start and can be misinterpreted. Always make eye contact and confirm with the pilot before starting the engine, and ensure the area around the helicopter is clear.