Caz,
The crew would certainly have formulated an escape plan for every part of the route. That plan would never have included a climb to SALT in the Mull area because that would clearly be illegal.
For the first leg to the Mull it would almost certainly be.
1. Slow down.
2. Stop.
3. Turn around.
Well at least that is what I, or I imagine, any other sane person would do in a helicopter.