An instructor and his student just exiting their C-172 on the FBO ramp shared with a helicopter operation were buffeted by a helicopter air taxiing just a few feet above them. The helicopter pilot alleged he owned the ramp and was with the FAA.

Narrative

Our company has just moved to a new area on the airport; one that is shared with a helicopter operation. The ramp is crowded. My student and I had just finished a lesson. We taxied onto the ramp and shut down the engine. Because of the tight quarters; it was my plan to tow the plane by hand to a tie-down about 50 feet away. My student had just opened the door and had not yet put in the control lock. Suddenly; our plane began bucking; the controls banged; and the door flew open with a smash. We saw above us a helicopter belonging to the sharing company pass about 10 feet above us. The helicopter air-taxied forward; turned around; and landed about 15 to 20 feet away while our airplane continued to bounce violently in the rotor wash. After he shut down we got out and pulled our plane to the tie down. I talked to the pilot of the helicopter a few minutes later and told him that his actions were dangerous and irresponsible. He said that he was the owner and that the ramp belonged to him. He also stated that he was from the FAA. There were several witnesses to his actions and his statements. I don't feel that there was much that my student and I could have done differently. I felt that we were operating on a safe path. I strongly feel that the pilot of the helicopter was reckless and dangerous; and was giving little thought to the consequences of his actions. I believe that the problem arose due to the impatience and bad judgment of the helicopter pilot. An appropriate corrective action would be counseling of the helicopter pilot; as to situational awareness and hazardous attitudes.