DFC, The daily task requires operations in and out of controlled airspace, with class G transits and VFR at one end or the other because helipads have no published instrument prodedures. However, it is sometimes necessary to transit in and /or let down in IMC and therefore there is a requirement to operate under IFR/VFR as the en route in-flight conditions demand. I hold an ATPLH and an IR.
having an IR and appropriate equipped aircraft helps you but if you were operating a VFR only heli and only had a CPL with no IR, would you make your flights knowing that you have to be IMC during part of them?
Apples,and oranges, apples and oranges. Misunderstanding occur when contributors make broad brush claims and statements, as some seem prone to do. No-one in their right mind would plan to fly a VFR helicopter into IMC due to the lack of aircraft stabiity/stabilisation, let alone lack of required minimum radio /nav equipment.
Having said that, in a previous employment, because of the nature of the job, we had to train for the possibility of inadvertant IMC in a unstabilised helicopter, although it did have minimum radio / nav equipment.
Guess what ?
The man from the CAA said in no way could that plan be construed as illegal. Simply stay out of the IMC and it is perfectly legal, Do use Scottish Centre to get met info and make the decision to divert early enough !
Radical Rabbit, precisely.
