FREE-PHONE ADVISORY SERVICE – MILITARY HELICOPTER ACTIVITY

On the 1^st March 2005, the Ministry of Defence launced a free-phone advisory service for members of the public to enquire about what low flying military helicopter activity is expected in their low flying area that day.  From the 3rd October 2005 this service will include a number of enhancements providing greater detail.

All you need is your postcode, general location or low flying area. Helicopter low flying is conducted between ground level and 500 feet above ground level. To find out in which low flying area you live, see the map below.

0800 51 55 44 (Nov - Mar: Mon–Fri 0800 to 1700) (Apr - Oct: Mon–Fri 0800 to 2000) This phone line is for enquiries about planned low flying military helicopters only.  If you have a complaint about any low flying activity please phone this number

• Available for public enquiries about daily forecast helicopter low-flying activity
• Activity forecast is available for a geographical area or UK postcode, and will provide the level of helicopter activity expected within the relevant Helicopter Training Area or Low Flying Area (see map below)
• Due to high levels of activity close to helicopter training schools and main helicopter operating bases, it is not possible to provide a forecast for these Dedicated Helicopter User Areas – Map Areas 1, 3, 9, 10 and 19 [Northern Ireland]
• Forecast does not include civilian helicopters, including police or air ambulance
• Forecast will be valid when issued, but may be subject to change at late notice (e.g. changing weather conditions, operational requirements or Search and Rescue operations).

WHY DO HELICOPTERS LOW FLY?

In combat, helicopters are used for armed support of the Army on the ground and for delivering and extracting personnel and equipment from in and around the battle area. They also carry out a wide variety of roles in support of ground forces and at sea. However, they are relatively slow moving aircraft and therefore particularly vulnerable to attack from the ground. By flying at very low level and using ground features to conceal their approach, aircrew have a much greater chance of survival. At these altitudes, the terrain can muffle the sound of a helicopter, while the aircrew can use every piece of available cover, allowing them to approach and pass safely, undetected and unobserved.

During a conflict, helicopters would almost never operate at anything other than low level. However, these techniques require regular and realistic practice if they are to be perfected, and for this reason helicopters can be permitted to train as low as ground level. Permission is sought from landowners before landing on private property. In peacetime, our Search and Rescue (SAR) forces must be practised and capable of flying at low level in the worst of weathers to effect a rescue. Support helicopters have also used the same skills to provide welcome supplies to isolated populations and livestock.

LOWFLYING AREAS

Helicopter Training Areas & Low Flying Areas CLICK MAP to enlarge

Last Updated: 30 Sep 05