2013-01-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Civil Aviation Authority statement on helicopter incident in London
A CAA spokesperson said:
“Helicopter operations in central London are strictly controlled. Single engine helicopters are required to fly along designated routes, which have been selected to provide maximum safety by routing helicopters along the river Thames, avoiding flying over built up areas as much as possible. Twin engine helicopters can operate in wider areas, however all aircraft operating in central London are subject to air traffic control clearance.
“There are requirements for lighting on tall structures. In addition, where appropriate, very tall structures are also notified to pilots for flight planning purposes, as was the case with the crane that was involved in this morning’s accident.
“The independent Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now investigating today’s accident to establish the facts. The CAA will be providing any assistance required.”
For background:
For more information journalists should contact the CAA press office on 020 7453 6030.
More information about the CAA’s regulation of helicopters operating in London can be found
here:
In January 2012 there were approximately 1300 helicopter movements in central London.
The CAA is the UK’s specialist aviation regulator. Its activities include: making sure that the aviation industry meets the highest technical and operational safety standards; preventing holidaymakers from being stranded abroad or losing money because of tour operator insolvency; planning and regulating all UK airspace; and regulating airports, air traffic services and airlines and providing advice on aviation policy from an economic standpoint.