There are 2 issues, only one of which may be related to ATC. My contribution comes with a date warning, as I may be out of date, but:
1. It used to be the case that no special flight permission was required from ATC for a flight which was just a simple landing and/or departure at a private site in the Class A London Zone. (This is different from say a photographic flight which would require a special flight clearance) It MAY be that the rules have changed, but I do suggest you check.
2. The other issue is compliance with Rule 5 of the Rules of the Air. This
a) has absolutely nothing to do with an ATC clearance; and
b) has also recently changed, because Rule 5 has changed.
I will check later re: the new Rule 5, but any landing or take-off from a private site within a congested area would require specific permission from the CAA (under the old Rule 5). I am fairly certain the CAA would not remove this requirement, but this needs checking.
[Having now checked, the rule is now called the 1,000 ft rule, but it will require an exemption. And just in case, there is any doubt, a twin engine hele will be needed.]
Last edited by Helinut; 27th May 2005 at 22:19.