Readgeoff: Why did he fly JUST OVER a BLOODY GREAT BUILDING. If he knew the building was there flying over it would have been a clear 500ft violation.
For the last time, helicopters are exempted from the 500 foot rule when "landing in accordance with normal aviation practice". G-CRST was inside Battersea's zone and preparing to land.
I'm sure PB would rather have known he was over the middle of the river for his approach. But it seems he didn't exactly know his position. To answer your question: because he was unaware of the building until too late, and he didn't see the crane going even higher than the building. Had he read and plotted NOTAMS?
This obstruction is inside an ATZ. As such, all approaching the ATZ should be reminded of it. (My view - but apparently not a rule) Maybe, because it's right on the edge, that reminder has to come from Heathrow before handover to Battersea?
Last edited by JimBall; 27th Jan 2013 at 20:30.