A red collision alert was flashing at this point on the controllers screen, the instruction should’ve been for the CRJ to go around, not wasting time on the helicopter pilots.
Secondly, why shouldn’t we criticise the controller? Imho his actions need to be criticised. Not the individual but the environment, procedures and training he operated in. The mission of ATC is to prevent exactly this from happening and they failed in their mission.
Absolutely on the lookout.
No the airspace does not take the blame. Apparently the hello pilots missed the lookout. And the controller could have been clearer, instead of “still in sight?” perhaps “the RJ is now 1/2 mile 10 o’clock, confirm you have him?”.
(not criticizing him, guessing that he saw them closer than expected, was concerned, and made a very quick call)
But the airspace & procedure seems to not tolerate mistakes. There ought to be some safety margin. While not the primary fault, it could be improved.