I don't quite understand this....
The UK AIP
http://www.ead.eurocontrol.int/eadba...2011-01-13.pdf quite clearly states that:
1. Sandtoft is PPR only.
2. There is no designated helicopter landing area.
3. 1144L is within the published hours of Sandtoft Radio (130.425 MHz).
4. The aerodrome has an ATZ.
5. The aerodrome is on the boundary of the Doncaster Sheffield CTR and beneath Class D CTAs (bases 1500 ft amsl and 2000 ft amsl).
6. All Sandtoft arrivals and departures are required to contact Doncaster Radar on 126.225 MHz for clearance through the Doncaster Sheffield CTR/CTA.
Surely these aircraft movements were known about in advance? I cannot believe that a pair of Chinooks would simply enter an active ATZ, squat on the grass for a couple of minutes and then poke off without anyone having been notified in advance....? Or without talking to anyone??
The hazard to small aircraft posed by large helicopters is well known; there was a fatal accident at Kidlington some years ago which was the result of a heavy civilian helicopter's downwash causing a PA28 instructor to lose control...