1500 feet (at least that is what is used by the North Sea Helicopter companies). And to descend below that requires a CAA approved self interpreted radar approach.
Boomerangben,
1500ft? Are you sure? Its just that my experience as pax in the North Sea would definitely say more like 500ft, or even less.....can you expand on the 'self interpreted radar approach' bit, as I am constantly amazed at the crappy weather that does not seem to stop the choppers flying.
If you are a chopper pilot in the North Sea, I have a question: Have "recently" been working in the dutch sector...How come the Schreiner guys "always" seem to be grounded due wx, when you can hear the Bristows boys happily flying around over the Radio? Is it Type/Equipment? Company Regs? Registration issues re.G/PH?
Regards, SD..
PS : Always amazed at the weird nature of sea fog, it is spooky and beautiful at the same time to see dense fog surround the rig yet see the top of the legs and derrick bathed in sunshine and see just the derricks/cranes/legs of other rigs jutting up from the milky layer once above it.....and hopefully on the way home.....