Okay.. Let's not scare the guy away...
Just hang on the tourist areas, and you will be fine, there are plenty of police man on the streets, it's a beautiful city and you will enjoy it...now if you want to venture out on the favelas... not so quiet there for sure.
There are helicopters routes on Rio, just like any other big city, you will find the publication at the pilot store, one that I know is goaheads.com, (REH rota especial de helicoptero) If you have a updaded South America, or Americas... not sure..
software version of your GPS unit, it usually shows on it, I have a Garmin 430w and it does appear on it.
There is a small book published by air BP (yes, the petroleum company) where it contains all the helipads, heliports, frequencies, airports etc. etc. It's called "Pilot's Help" You can usually find them at BP office in the airport, if the fuel there is provided by BP, they give them out for free. You can ask around, everybody knows it.
Hope it helps
