VFRPilotpb
What I cant understand though is the want and vitriol to protect and close ranks around someone who flew low over that area, which incidently is also the turning point for low level runs of fast trainers and Fat Albert to then fly up the length of Windermere.
It's not so much a case of closing ranks, more a case of the old British way of assuming innocence until PROVEN guilty. You came in as judge, jury, and executioner. None of those are formally your roles in this matter.
If there was an alleged Breach of Legislation, then it's for the CAA Enforcement Branch to look in to. They will gather the evidence, and decide whether there was a case to answer. Then it's off to court if there is ... where no doubt Flying Lawyer will run rings around them
. If you were just unhappy at the separation involved, then it's for the UK Airprox Board to look at and judge upon.
We only have your side of the story. It is not an objective view. You were, and maybe still are, angry. Emotions tend to cloud judgement and rational thought. And as many will be aware from various high profile Low Flying infringement court cases, the human recollection of incidents and judgement of distance, etc, is notoriously innaccurate.
The perceived 'ruffling of feathers' has absolutely nothing to do with Fixed Wing vs Helicopter, that's irrelevant since we all share the same airspace and are bound by the same legislation. In my view it's more about the people in this Forum providing some balance to your claims, offering possible explanations for the fixed wing pilots behaviour, and countering some of your claims with alternative thoughts. In short, many of us are playing Devil's Advocate, since that is exactly what you would face in court if there was any prosecution. You shouldn't take it too personally. If the fixed wing pilot was proven to be operating illegally then you would see any support for him evaporate like snow off a wall. But until that is done, then we only have a polarised view from one of the parties involved.
Just as a final aside, you mention it being a turning point for military low flyers ... does that mean if it had been a Tornado or Fat Albert then you would have been happier to have just missed them in a similar situation ??
