Originally Posted by
Devil 49
The correct side to board is in the direction the pilot indicates. That means, of course, that one establishes visual contact with the pilot and watch for a signal. If there's ground crew escorting, directing the boarding follow their instruction.
You only have to be wrong once...
I bolded that bit for the benefit of the non aviators who have chosen to participate in this discussion.
My other thought on this boils down to "...:
life's hard, but it's harder if you're stupid"
As most pilots know, one moment of stupidity can kill you.
Also brings to mind some advice from a maintenance chief when I was first on an aircraft carrier:
When walking near helicopters or other aircraft with their engines turning, keep your head on a swivel.