Gasgen, couldn't agree with you more.....
This thread has gone off the "Correct Decision" question....yes under the circumstances he made the correct decision.
The question of whether the helicopter was equipped sufficiently for such an area....is now the relevant question.
If operators wish to transit such areas, knowing full well that the AUSAR folk must respond to such events....then an invoice sent to such operators will soon convince them to equip their machines to the standard demanded....because someone must pay for this unnecessary SAR response.
Yet alone the OHS legislation, requiring operators to provide a safe working environment.
Autorotate….What a stupid, ill informed and senseless post……