Originally Posted by
helopat
Gentlemen,
At the risk of opening myself up to ridicule and harassment (nah, never happens in the land of PPRUNE) what are the VMC rules in the USA? Not trying to affix blame (never having flown for the oil companies in the Gulf) but something just didn't seem to add up for me with the above.
Bottom line, glad they walked (swam?) away.
HP
For helicopters in the US the VFR minimums are the same as fixed wing aircraft except when in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). There it is enough visibility to avoid obstacles. Also in other airspace helicopters operate under different requirements for special VFR than fixed wings do and may operate under special VFR in airport areas that deny special VFR for fixed wings.
Most GOM operators have or have had radar approach Opspecs issued to them.