Well said TAC. The guesswork starts from a radio call somewhere near Aldergrove's zone boundary, NOT a known point at all.
Walter
Yet again, an intuitively obvious line is being summarily dismissed
Yes, because it is nonsense. SVFR is only applcable in controlled airspace. The Mull isn't in it.
I almost forgot – you wrote:
<<… The visual references for VFR flight would still have to be met …>>
Not for a helicopter in SVFR – I think you’ll find that provided they were in clear contact with the ground (the sea, in this case) they could proceed SVFR at low level with as little as ½ a mile lateral visibility – this concession because helicopters can always SLOW DOWN.
So we agree then. The use of DME to 'count down' to the mull would have been negligent.
Was SVFR agreed with ATC;
If so, what squawk code was assigned and what was there any special significance;
(this could explain 7760)
They would not be in receipt of any ATC service, so no code would be assigned