I didn't see any panic - I did see some people take forever to get it through their heads that he wanted to land.

Same here, I don't see anyone panicking - maybe the dog - but I see a piece of crappy sensationalist that shows how professional the writer is.

"Dramatic footage" really? "of the incident" what incident? "running for safety" blah blah blah...

Can't see the problem. The pilot gave ample notice of his intent to land and was probably gesticulating through the plexiglas. There was definitely no panic. I'm just surprised it took so long for those obstructing the LZ to get the message or was it sheer obstinacy?

I'd say the restaurant should mark the area off with low level 'Do not enter' notices - prob solved.

Re 'arrogant cock':

Bas' D2: "Pilots are arrogant $%@*s
Bas: "Oh, have you met one?"
Bas' D2: "Other than you, no!"
Bas: :\

Part of the Exemption to Rule 5

(i) Manoeuvring helicopters. A helicopter shall be exempt from the 500 feet rule when conducting manoeuvres in accordance with normal aviation practice, within the boundaries of a licensed or Government aerodrome, or at other sites with the permission of the CAA: provided that when flying in accordance with this exemption the helicopter must not be operated closer than 60 metres to persons, vessels vehicles or structures located outside the aerodrome or site.

Guess this explains why he or she will almost certainly be in the dwang - bit closer than 60m.