skycop;
Well, myself and my 3 colleagues (over 100 years of flying experience between us) must be in the minority because we all share the same opinion.
And that's just what it is, an opinion!!
That doesn't necessarily make it the correct solution.
S.O.P. doesn't stand for 'Statement of the Oldest Person'!
If you care to look and read the relevant page in the AIP, you will find WAATP was following the published procedure that he mentioned earlier. It also states, that 'Helicopter arrivals and departures should follow ATC instructions closely...'
Yes, the Capt is ultimately responsible for the safety of the a/c etc, but try telling that to the birdies. What height should they be at?
Do you really think in that part of the world they are unaware of the bird problem?
Why are you trying to place blame, when it's a case of luck.
Here, from 50' up to 2000' there are swifts all over the place, collecting insects to feed their young. Please can your 'council' advise me at what speeds and heights I should be flying, in order to place luck on my side and avoid a similar fate happening to me as WAATP's, Thanks.
p.s. 100 years of flying experience = 876,000 hours
219,000 hours each,!!!! I bow down!
Do you possibly mean aviation experience?
SS