Vfrpilotpb
As someone who lives in central London, I frequently see Met Police helicopters flying, and occasionally hovering, overhead. I accept (as did TC) that there is a risk that a sudden major mechanical failure might cause a helicopter to crash, with fatal consequences. However, experience and statistics show the risk is extremely remote, and it is one which I am more than happy to accept when balanced against the value of the helicopter in preventing crime and detecting criminals.
The chances of being a victim of crime are infinitely greater than being struck by a falling helicopter.
Police cars and other emergency vehicles responding to calls have been involved in accidents, some of which have sadly been fatal. Do you say they should be restricted to the speed limits, and obliged to comply with all road traffic laws en route to an emergency?
Provided they are being used to prevent/detect crime, and to apprehend people who have committed criminal offences, Police helicopters have my full support.
I emphasise crime because, in my view, detecting road traffic offences does not even justify the cost, far less the risk.
Police helicopters are flown by experienced professionals, the majority of whom are ex-military pilots with thousands of hours flying in a huge variety of different environments. Why not credit them with some ability to make a sensible judgment about what is, or is not, a justified risk in any given circumstances?