Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210; Flight Crew Total 25000; Flight Crew Type 6068
Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
While taxiing out of Newark on Taxiway Z approaching Z3 a helicopter took off and went in front of our aircraft's nose with less than 10 feet of clearance. Had I not slammed on the brakes it could have been disastrous. I reported it to ground and dispatch.
Air carrier Captain reported they experienced a near collision with a helicopter while taxiing on Z near Z3 at EWR. The helicopter had apparently been cleared for takeoff from the helipad on Z3 but conflicted with the aircraft; requiring firm braking.