DFC,
that accident does not show the error of using a DIY approach; it shows the error of not following a procedure correctly. Every year there are umpteen accidents where aircraft have diverged from published procedures that ARE approved.
For those who asked about helicopter let downs offshore; The procedure is officially approved and published by Aerad. All operators around the N Sea use the same basic procedure, generally known as an ARA (airborne radar approach). It begins with the premise that MSA is 1500 ft, for the reasons given, but once the crew has established that there are no obstacles in the intended let down area, other than their destination rig/platform/ship, the aircraft can be descended on a promulgated profile. Normally it utilises an NDB on the destination along with GPS. Principly, though, it requires the wx radar, which is managed by the PNF to give a 'talk down' to the PF. MDH is 200 ft rad-alt and an offset is flown at 1.5 nm to ensure lateral separation. The descision point is at 0.75 nm.
DIY approaches are fraught with dangers and are not to be taken lightly.
Last edited by 212man; 28th July 2005 at 07:44.