Originally Posted by
Ascend Charlie
I have had a bit to do with Dick since 1979 (before the epic chopper flights) and I thoroughly admire him for his achievements.
The best change I saw in the helicopter world was opening up the chopper lanes through the SY zone via the harbour and V1 down the coast. Next best was eliminating full reporting for VFR.
As one who was heavily involved in the design, implementation and eventual promulgation of the chopper routes and the Victor One coastal route, I am certain they would not have happened were it not for Dick's persistence. He kept on grinding away with common sense examples until the regulators shared the vision and ultimately relented.
Don't forget that at about the same time, helicopters had to hover-taxy for miles to depart from a designated helipad on the other side of many airports (like Sydney). High power settings at low level through and around parked aircraft were not a good mix. Once again, common sense prevailed and this practice went the way of the dinosaur.