An experienced helicopter pilot says human error is often the problem when it comes to flying.

The Department of Conservation has stopped using Robinson helicopters after a number of fatal crashes involving mast bumping.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has put Robinson helicopters on its "watchlist" - but the Civil Aviation Authority says the choppers are safe if the flight manual is followed

Wanaka Helicopters owner Simon Spencer Bower told Mike Hosking you shouldn't take a boat out in a storm, and the same goes for helicopters.

"You've got to use your vehicle, whether it's a car, or a boat, or a helicopter for what it's intended for. You're not going to go four-wheel driving in your Suzuki Alto and vice-versa.

"In all these accidents we've got to understand that's no different to a car or a boat, there's always a human element in there."