Paul O'Rourke
25th Nov 2010, 19:46
From the Warrnambool 'Standard' newspaper (http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/chopper-drops-in-for-coffee/2008509.aspx)
http://www.standard.net.au/multimedia/images/full/1015624.jpg
A helicopter pilot who landed near Port Campbell faces a fine of more than $35,000 for satisfying his caffeine cravings.Port Campbell police Sergeant David Banks said a two-seater private helicopter landed near the Old Ocean Road at Sturgess Point, Port Campbell, just before 5pm Sunday.
He said the helicopter landed close to a parked camper van while other people were also walking around in the area.
The landing site was in a section of the Port Campbell National Park and the pilot had not sought permission to land. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is also understood to be investigating the incident.
Port Campbell police interviewed the pilot on behalf of Parks Victoria at the landing site. Sergeant Banks said local residents were concerned when they saw the helicopter land that it was a Port Campbell helicopter operator who had to perform an emergency landing.
"It appeared that the pilot wanted a cup of coffee. He had to walk a couple of hundred metres and came back with a coffee and bag of chips," he said.
"CASA is contacting him about about what he's done wrong. They were more worried about him causing an accident," he said.
The Coldstream man, 39, faces a maximum fine of 300 penalty units or $35,769 for landing in a national park.
Parks Victoria Port Campbell ranger in charge Will Cox said it was an offence to land without authorisation in a national park.
We are working closely with police, it's a matter for police and we'll be talking to Port Campbell police over how far we take the matter," he said. "We're certainly not impressed with the pilot's behaviour and the message needs to get out that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."
Had this situation taken place anywhere else I am sure no one would give a rats! Port Campbell is a hot bed of complaint from locals about the prolific helicopter flights that frequent the coastline within the Port Campbell / 12 Apostles area.
http://www.standard.net.au/multimedia/images/full/1015624.jpg
A helicopter pilot who landed near Port Campbell faces a fine of more than $35,000 for satisfying his caffeine cravings.Port Campbell police Sergeant David Banks said a two-seater private helicopter landed near the Old Ocean Road at Sturgess Point, Port Campbell, just before 5pm Sunday.
He said the helicopter landed close to a parked camper van while other people were also walking around in the area.
The landing site was in a section of the Port Campbell National Park and the pilot had not sought permission to land. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is also understood to be investigating the incident.
Port Campbell police interviewed the pilot on behalf of Parks Victoria at the landing site. Sergeant Banks said local residents were concerned when they saw the helicopter land that it was a Port Campbell helicopter operator who had to perform an emergency landing.
"It appeared that the pilot wanted a cup of coffee. He had to walk a couple of hundred metres and came back with a coffee and bag of chips," he said.
"CASA is contacting him about about what he's done wrong. They were more worried about him causing an accident," he said.
The Coldstream man, 39, faces a maximum fine of 300 penalty units or $35,769 for landing in a national park.
Parks Victoria Port Campbell ranger in charge Will Cox said it was an offence to land without authorisation in a national park.
We are working closely with police, it's a matter for police and we'll be talking to Port Campbell police over how far we take the matter," he said. "We're certainly not impressed with the pilot's behaviour and the message needs to get out that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated."
Had this situation taken place anywhere else I am sure no one would give a rats! Port Campbell is a hot bed of complaint from locals about the prolific helicopter flights that frequent the coastline within the Port Campbell / 12 Apostles area.