Originally Posted by
Denflnt
Miniimum vertical separation is 500'. The helo would have had to be a submarine to maintain separation. The helo should have been told to hold short, and wait for crossing traffic. That is what ATC is supposed to do, maintain separation from controlled aircraft.
ATC did do what he is "supposed" to do. The Blackhawk was told to "pass behind". Nothing to do with vertical separation. It's a form of separation. That's how it works. Thousands of times every day, all over the place.
As a system ' - at night - I think it's crazy. But that's the system.