FFF
All non-IFR helicopter flights in the Zone are subject to Special VFR clearance, usually from Heathrow west of the Battersea Heliport and Thames Radar east of the Heliport. (Clearance from Heathrow Director if Heathrow Radar/Thames Radar are not operational.)
If keeping to the heli routes, the clearance is usually "Standard Operating Altitudes" which gradually increases to 2000' east of Vauxhall Bridge.
Twin-engine helicopters are not restricted to the Heli Routes and the clearance will be "not above .......... feet."
The Heathrow and Thames controllers are very professional and usually friendly and helpful provided you know what you're doing/comply with the clearance, which is fair given their high workload.
The usual low flying rules for helicopters still apply and remain the pilot's responsibility.
There's more to it, but I hope this is enough to answer your question.
Tudor Owen
(Let me know if you want to 'FlyForFun' down the heli routes some time - fantastic views of London, and you can even fly across LHR at 800'!!)
Last edited by Flying Lawyer; 18th Sep 2002 at 13:43.