hf
You've got it. While as you and I may see INSTRUMENT as the key word in IFR, in the US the key word is RULE. US is still fixated by rules and traditionally the FAA is reluctant to change to make them practical.
NTSB are to have a hearing in February:
SB-08-51
Of course there are regualtors in Europe who get fixated by their rules (though without the reluctance to tinker!) and ignore the implementaion irregularities Quichotte highlights.
It suits most US companies to 'blame' the FAA for tying their hands or their crews for rule-breaking. The FAA's punitive approach encourages this victimisation of crews and a reluctance to report near-misses.
Bob95fxdl
Most EMS services are thoroughly trained by the HEMS providers how to select an LZ, mark it well and park vehicle under or by hazards, in order to ensure the aircrew is aware and avoids the obstacles.
Interesting. To what standard is this done?