Do helicopter pilots appreciate it when you use a hand light to "wave them in"?

The answer is that helicopter pilots generally do not appreciate it when someone uses a hand light to "wave them in." This practice can be dangerous and confusing, as it may not provide clear guidance or may even signal something different from what was intended.

In aviation operations, especially in the context of helicopter landings, pilots rely heavily on established hand signals and coordination with ground crews to ensure safe operations. Unauthorized or unclear signals can lead to miscommunication, increasing the risk during critical phases of flight such as landing and takeoff.

Using a hand light in an uncoordinated manner does not provide the pilots with reliable guidance and could potentially lead to safety hazards. It is essential for ground personnel to follow established procedures and use designated signaling methods to communicate with pilots.