Tractor Boy
The definition does not seem to encompass reservoirs (unless they are used for recreation). Are any of the reservoirs used for sailing or other pursuits?
I agree (and I didnt know they were the Hackney Marshes) these are used extensively for recreation and a forced landing there would not be a good idea other than perhaps on a week day when they always seem pretty much deserted.
I have found a useful measurement tool in Google Earth. the distance from the last reservoir to the Thames is about 2.5 nm and I reckon it is a similiar distance from the Thames to be well clear to the south. At 2,000 feet (the minimium altitude usually on offer) you would expect to make the reservoir the Thames or open ground assuming total engine failure at the worst possible moment, although things might get a little interesting! However the engine would have to totally and unexpectedly quit on you at exactly the mid point - indeed very bad luck. The zone boundary is 2,500 ft.
If the reservoirs work I wonder how many of us have been within the boundary of a conjested area by 2.5 miles at 2,000 or 3,000 feet?
Last edited by Fuji Abound; 31st October 2008 at 16:42.