Just to clear up a couple of queries.
Heliport your very well imformed, do you reside in the small hut just behind the fuel pumps?
The R22 pilot was sat in the helicopter waiting to start, with his headsets on talking on the radio, i don't think he would of heard the gazelle or seen it as it arrived from behind the r22, especially as the rotor noise was being hurtled down wind by the strong wind
You normally don't have your blades tied when your just about to start, but even if they were it would not of made the slightest bit of different. Blade ties on the 22 only stop them from flapping up, they are still free to flap down.
Currawong
As for proving if the dent was there before the aircraft is less than a week old with only 15 hours datcom
I think the Flying Lawyer won't be commenting on this as i believe he's been contacted by the gazelle driver.
I don't think even with the expert knowledge of the Flying Lawyer he will be able to talk himself out of this one
Interesting replies i will certainally be leaving a little more room next time i approach anything