Sky Cop,
Not all heli's (type and/or pilot) could safely fly an approach at fixed wing circuit and approach speeds. (especially if the airfield has larger fixed wing traffic)
Agree a heli specific routing may make an initial visit harder work. However IMHO a phone call for a pre flight briefing would remove that issue, especially if the joining has a special noise abatement procedure/s.
Also worth considering that there is no real need for heli's to fly a full circuit on joining, unless flying at night.
In the early stages student pilots have enough to cope with without worrying about a quicker fixed wing approaching from behind. Again just MHO based on experience, but I think that where possible keeping heli's on a seperate procedure helps.
As a minor technical issue. The 500' rule states 500 ft clear of any person,vehicle,vessel or structure. Thats a distance not a vertical height, and actual ground clearance is not mentioned. Any responsible heli pilot will be mindful of noise abatement and will fly defensively ensuring an ability to land clear.
As FP states as the approach is a prescribed procedure at a licensed airfield you are exempt the 500' rule but not the land clear portion.
Been into SHM a few times with no problems. Regular heli routings are no probs and the ATC guys/gals are very heli aware/friendly.
Of more importance is the fact that all concerned (except the bird) are ok. Must have refocused the pilots mind a touch!
Can u bbq buzzard
Or will some wheeze stuff and mount it as a trophy.
Sure Cliff could sort it
