172510's frame of reference is established in this sentence:

The assumption is that the (required) Field of View (FOV) is directly related to the slant range visibility associated with this approach angle (a not unreasonable assumption with large fixed-wing aeroplanes). Within this frame of reference, at 500', nothing can be seen in front of the aeroplane that is closer than 3,000 m.

Of course that is an unsafe assumption because the FOV in helicopters has been improved such that steeper approach angles and flexible departure and arrival angles/profiles are facilitated.

However, there is a serious point within this post and that is that as visibility reduces, it may be necessary to reduce the operating height (sometimes below a safe level) to ensure that visual contact, ahead of the helicopter, can be maintained. This is necessary for two reasons: (1) to ensure that there are sufficient visual cues to maintain control; and, (2) to maintain spacial awareness. Both of these are important for an inexperienced pilot because they improve confidence and assure well-being.


Jim

I can agree to that.

I am still wanting to hear an explanation why the Sod Runway is invisible with a 1.5 km Visibility.

Pierre certainly drew a distinction between paved (assuming asphalt and not a light colored concrete surface) and grass.

A link to any Peer Reviewed Study would be acceptable....or even some sort of Technical Study that would confirm Grass becomes invisible somehow due to reduced visibility.

What bright background? Snow? In 1500m vis, nothing will be bright since that depends on the reflectance/albedo of the surface and not much light is getting through anywhere if the vis is that bad.

It is all about contrast since that's what the human eye recognises (anyone who has flown on NVG will tell you that) - a grass strip in a field of light crops will stand out just as much as a tarmac runway. A grass strip on a grass field will be much harder to spot but not if it has distinct edge and threshold markings.

This is the perfect example of why any advice given on here needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.

People respond with their (wrong) interpretation of the rules , as if it was fact.

The good news, if there is any, is that hopefully DeltaNg now understands Rule 5(b).

Just to make it clearer, you can be 2 feet above the ground but still not closer than, etc.

After 40 yrs of military flying, my best advice would be to chicken out EARLY. Along with that is Don't press on - LAND ON. Most pilots are not as good as they think they are - the old adage that 'there are old pilots and bold pilots - there are not many that are both!'

As usual, a comment from the side lines: This is hands down my favorite thread on here. First of all, I bow to the thread starter for asking this question instead of being completely taken in by hatching plans for doing wannabe aerobatics at the next best vlog-tinder-hipster wedding.
Secondly, lots of honest and excellent advise from true professionals without the usual bs. I really hope we can keep it that way all the way through.
:ok:

I think you mean 2 feet above the surface.

Yep - I meant ground in a generic sense! And believe it or not there is a legal difference between "with the surface in sight" and in sight of the surface"!

Wasn`t there a 60m rule,if you were doing low hovering manoeuvres on an airfield...?

Sycamore, that is to do with the edge of the airfield ie you had to be 60m from a building etc etc. In practice that doesnt work, eg Dunkeswell where the refuelling pads are within 25m f the public highway !

H500,thanks.

Rule 5 went out with the arc.
we're in the EU for another 7 months, so: SERA 5005 (F) (2) please☺
these are and should be the basics for a wannabee.
notice the 150m clearance provides a 'dome' around the aircraft.
should there be no "persons, vehicles, vessels, structures - one can fly as close to the ground as one wishes (outcas).
Not recommended for newbie's however until experienced.
In the cruise: COCISS and sufficient speed to avoid IIMC.

I am glad there is no bureaucracy in the UK/EU/CAA/EASA Aviation Rules and Regulations.

Now...when ya'll finally get around to Brexit/Brexit-Lite or whatever version finally gets implemented....it would appear owning Shares in Paper Stock and Ink Futures might be a good buy!