Rule 5
I was thinking about the thread "Helicopter ace lands in court" but wanted to break away and have a general discussion about Rule 5.
Rule 5, Para 2, Section b)
"Except with the permission in writing of the CAA, an aircraft shall not be flown closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle or structure"
Rule 5, Para 3 (Exemptions) Section (ii)
"Any aircraft shall be exempt from the 500 feet rule when landing and taking off in accordance with normal aviation practice."
So, presumably, the CAA consider landing at your friendly hotel "not normal aviation practice"? Personally I find it quite normal, but I am assuming this is what that other chap broke. (if not please correct me). Am I to assume that the 500' rule applies to its full extent when landing at a private site? i.e. that 500' becomes a horizontal distance when you are on the ground.
Now, picture the scenario. You are doing a mountain flying course with you and a couple of other aircraft. You have a nice friendly hotel with a huge paddock out the back of the hotel miles away from any vehicle, structure or vessel. But wait, your mate is on the ground before you... Can you land within 500' of him???