Over the top reaction to ABC chopper crash
14 Nov 13 ninemsn report:
"The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will require all helicopters flying after dark to be equipped with an autopilot or to use two-pilot crews following the crash which killed journalist Paul Lockyer, cameraman John Bean and pilot Gary Ticehurst".
If the above CASA intent is true, I think it is poorly thought out and over the top. Anyone who has flown any aircraft, fixed or rotor night VFR in remote Australia knows you have to be extremely disciplined especially during the takeoff and landing phase but the flight can be conducted safely. This includes using good airmanship, all available instruments, and not flying in some conditions where the horizon is difficult to define.
My intent is not to criticise or pass judgement on the pilot in this tragic crash,but only to point out that we are already over regulated and requiring an autopilot or two pilot crews for night VFR flight is over the top.