As the Mods seem happy.............
Situation presented to FI was a MayDay call heard. Circling fixed wing overhead the scene reported the aircraft upside down and no pilot seen. Police/ambulance heli was unavailable to attend and so the FI diverted. Scene was large enough for a safe approach and landing to be made. It took all three aircraft occupants to move the aircraft so that the fixed wing pilot could be released. This involvement was not a knee-jerk reaction. The FI was the nearest who could respond.
FI is an Ex military (RM) medic with frontline trauma treatment experience. His nursing qualifications extend to him being able to offer more specialist recovery care. He is more than qualified and experienced to have been able to have provided the treatment required.
The Chief pilot has submitted an MOR to the CAA and the Ops Inspector concerned has agreed that the return flight from the field to EGHR was AOC
.
Initial request from the CP was for the Fi to pay approx £125. This has since been reduced to approx £30. Whatever the costs involved the motive of the CP to actively look for some matter that could be reported to the CAA is alarming. And regardless of the money involved the meer suggestion is shameful! No FI can afford to lose any wages at this time of year!
The positive free publicity generated as a result fo this matter should far outway any flying costs incurred. Adverts in atleast three newspapers would easily cost more then £125.
As the Mods have no issues with details being aired. London Heli's at Redhill are the company invloved and the Chief Pilot concerned is Mark Cuttle.
I add at this point the FI spoke to me in some despair as he was concerned about the CAA throwing the book at him. The decision to air this matter is mine and mine alone.
FW