PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Heathrow changed to Class D to save the industry money,Williamtown what's happening?
Old 18th Jul 2016, 08:53
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ShyTorque

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As one who has to use the LHR zone very regularly (and land in it), I'd say be careful of what you wish for.

To land at a private helicopter site now, in the "inner area", not only does one have to obtain the landowner's permission, but also one has to pay the CAA for a written permission (takes up to 28 days to obtain - so forget any short notice requests). Then, on the day the ATC supervisor has to be contacted to discuss entry permission and to obtain a slot time. Ten minutes leeway is you are allowed. Then of course, once in flight the usual radio calls must be made but you can expect no priority over IFR traffic. A separate departure clearance has to be negotiated by phone before starting up. Not easy on the individual when the passengers turn up early and unannounced and want to go immediately.

Overall, a very much retrograde step from a pilot's point of view. Aviation in UK gets more difficult every day. The rules are never for the pilots' convenience and they seem to change far too often to keep up.
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