Crab, (I had heard...it's a small world, innit, good luck in the future).
However, to further the discussion,
Quote:
Safety Recommendation 2014-35
It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority review the regulations that permit a helicopter engaged in public transport operations to descend below MSA for the purpose of landing, when flying in instrument meteorological conditions but not on a published approach procedure.
I'd suggest that it's used because it's always been allowed by the regulations, not an "
abused loophole", which I'd suggest are your own words, not from the report or from the CAA.
Second point for possible discussion: Why is 1,000 feet above the nearest obstacle within 5 nms the "sacred figure" used for MSA?