London Helilanes at Night

[scooter boy]

I just had the most amazing experience of flying the London helilanes on a beautiful, clear night. It was truly magical - just like the opening credits of "the apprentice" looking down on all the sodium streetlamps, head and tail lights.

It just reminded me why I learned to fly helicopters.

How privileged we are to be able to do this - long may it last.

SB
:ok:

[AlanM]

Glad you enjoyed it.... what was the aircraft? May have worked you.... (H10 H4 Lea Valley north??)

[transientdroop]

I once had the joy of a job from Suffolk to Cardiff at 4pm on Christmas Day (2000 or 2001 I think - sorry log book not to hand). What was otherwise a fairly mundane straight line sortie with a long wait at an ambulance station in Cardiff, was made quite enjoyable by the view of London on a beautiful night.

We flew directly into Regents Park, to the amusement of some walkers, then out to the west. Air traffic was quiet, and the city skyline was gloriously illuminated.

On our return we flew the opposite route and after departing Regents Park again we popped into Stansted for fuel - thanks again for opeing especially for us at 0330 on Boxng Day!

I am currently flying in the Middle East, and the only stuff I get to look at at night is sand, oh and sand, and did I mention sand!;)

[206 jock]

I'm looking forward to doing the same thing, haven't had the chance since I got my night rating in May this year.

All I need now is a helicopter: my 206 has been in dock since August 15th, awaiting parts! Hopefully the situation will resolve itself soon.

[oldbeefer]

Remember, vividly, flying a Puma down the helilanes on a clear night. No probs until the only map got sucked out of the slightly open window. In the days before GPS, this was a bit of a snag. Very helpful controller managed to talk me out of it!:ugh:

[headsethair]

Try this on H4 at night......north bank between British Museum and the river. St Giles Circus.
Open air pool lit up on the roof of the Oasis sports centre.
Slightly wierd sight on these cold nights - seeing swimmers ploughing up and down, surrounded by darkness and London traffic.

[greenarrow]

The last few nights flying out of the capital have been good viz, good sights and good ATC liason with direct routings to and from Battersea from the East (Southend) It appears that the level at 1500ft has been replaced with not above 1500ft. Great I can switch the mode C back on. Ops!!
It also appears that the Americans have invaded Chelsea Barracks today with Blackhawks, I think they are on the wrong side of the river?:8

[AlanM]

Yep - the LEVEL AT 1500ft RULE is about to go.... and become not above 1500ft. (Though you will of course still need to avoid the restricted areas - you naughty lot!!:))

[scooter boy]

Alan M,
Yes that was me in an R44 G-OMCD, H10, H4 then Lea Valley North.
I'll be back for some more this Saturday/Sunday if weather permits.

The view was truly beautiful - maybe I should invite Ken Livingstone along for a ride, might change his mind about helicopter traffic in the capital?

Maybe talk to you this weekend,

SB

[AlanM]

Thought so!

I was sat with a trainee who got you sorted for an expeditious transit (as nice as it is, we appreciate the costs involved in a 10 minute hold!!!)

(Oh and before any wise guy points out that singles are not allowed on H10 at night, he went East bound over Battersea just minutes before official night!! Timing was perfect)

keep on trucking mate!! :):D

(P.S. Flying out of LCY this weekend - so keep away from our F50!!!!!)

[scooter boy]

AlanM,
I will give your little Fokker a wide berth.
Fear Ye Not,
SB