Why are so many military helicopters flying over London?

Contents

The answer is more to do with airspace, Air traffic control and the location of the observer on the ground, rather than military ops and threat levels etc. London is a mass of controlled airspace.

Also, why are there so many helicopters flying around London? The Ministry of Defence (MOD) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the helicopters have recently been carrying out exercises across London to help train crews for ongoing missions in the UK and abroad.

Additionally, why are there military helicopters flying around? TLDR – The most common reason why military helicopters may fly over residential properties is training. The home is likely in the flight path of the military’s training operations, which typically means that a military base or facility is nearby.

Also know, why do army helicopters keep flying over my house? Violent crimes in progress, pursuits, property crimes, traffic stops, and perimeters are the most common reasons why you might hear a helicopter flying overhead.

You asked, why are there so many Chinooks over London? the Chinooks are practicing VIP evacuation procedures. They come to the Honourable Artillery Company ground, between Finsbury Sq and Chiswell St. I live about a half-km to the south of the ground, and used to work in one of the buildings that form the east wall of the compound.Helicopters are generally only permitted to fly on strict routes over central London, in controlled airspace up to 800 metres (2,500ft). Flights within the London control zone must get air traffic control clearance and comply with instructions from controllers.

Why do helicopters fly over the Thames?

The rules are stricter for single-engined helicopters, which should always follow the prescribed route. Within the R160 controlled area, for example, they must fly above the River Thames, which minimises the risk of crashing into a built-up area.

HOW LOW CAN military helicopters fly?

Over other than congested areas – An altitude of 500 feet above the surface except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

Why are there so many planes flying over my house 2020?

Why are airplanes flying over my house this week when they haven’t for months? Due to weather or wind conditions, aircraft are forced to use the most suitable runway to make safe landings. This, occasionally, causes the planes to shift traffic patterns and land on runways that are not often used.

Why do helicopters circle at night UK?

When the police are searching for someone who isn’t running, the helicopter will often circle around, rather than hover, because if the engine were to malfunction on the helicopter, having forward momentum assists with “autorotation”.

Can police helicopters see inside your house?

The helicopter high above isn’t limited by buildings, foliage or other aspects of the land getting in the way – instead it can see everywhere around and can accurately track a criminal’s movements through an environment.

What does it mean when a helicopter is flashing red and green?

Police helicopters, and every other kind of helicopter, display red and green navigation lights (red on the left, green on the right). This is so an observer at a distance can tell whether the aircraft is headed toward or away from them.

How do you find out what helicopter is flying overhead?

You can always find active flights on the FlightAware website, but the mobile app localizes the search from the start, making it much easier to point out aircraft flying above you. When you open the app with geotracking enabled and click the location triangle icon, a map appears showing where you are.

Why is there a Chinook circling?

There are around 60 Chinook aircraft in use by the Ministry of Defence, normally based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. It is understood the aircraft were on a training exercise. … “The crew were completing essential operational training events designed to ensure that our crews continue to be ready for global operations.”

Where are Chinooks based in UK?

THE STATION RAF Odiham in Hampshire is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Helicopter Command. The Station provides critical, rapid support for UK military operations throughout the world. Home of the UK Chinook Force, RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons.

What are Chinooks used for UK?

Chinooks are primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation (casevac). With its triple-hook external load system, internal cargo winch, roller conveyor fit and large reserves of power, the aircraft can lift a wide variety of complex underslung or internal freight, including vehicles.

Are private helicopters allowed in London?

By chartering a private helicopter, you can reach central London in as little as 20 minutes from all the nearby airports. … London City Airport does not allow helicopter landings due to noise restrictions – however VIP ground transportation can be arranged between Battersea and London City airport.

Where can I land a helicopter in London?

When you are flying in to London by helicopter, the main landing point is Battersea Heliport (or The Barclays London Heliport as it is now known). You’ll find the heliport situated in the heart of London, close to Waterloo Station, on the south bank of the River Thames.

Can a helicopter fly over the Atlantic?

A helicopter can fly across the Atlantic – and this has been achieved several times. The first transatlantic helicopter flight took place in 1952. The first non-stop transatlantic helicopter flight took place in 1967.

Can you fly over central London?

The RIGHT hand side. IF you get to fly over central London then the aircraft fly in just to the south of the Thames, from east to west. So (direction and weather permitting) you could get a great view of the Tower, St. Pauls, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace.

Why is there a helicopter overhead?

The main reasons why helicopters circle overhead are to burn less fuel and stay on station longer, give the occupants the best view of the scene, and to keep the helicopter in a safe flight condition if the engine were to ever quit.

Why are military helicopters so loud?

TLDR – Helicopters are so loud due to blade-vortex interaction. The air pressure decreases above and increases below the blades as the main rotor spins, providing upward thrust. A vortex is created to even out the air pressure, which produces sound vibrations when it hits the next blade.

Can I land my helicopter anywhere?

Technically, due to their size and unique operating characteristics, helicopters can land just about anywhere, including in residential areas, in parking lots, at airports, and on water.

Can a private pilot fly over water?

(a) No person may take off an airplane for a flight over water more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shore unless that airplane is equipped with a life preserver or an approved flotation means for each occupant of the airplane.

Can you track military planes?

Military planes mostly do not appear on flight-tracking sites because of operational secrecy, even when they are on innocuous missions. … Unlike the others, it does not censor the ADS-B data of military aircraft, so you’ll be able to see them there.

Why do I hear planes at night?

During the day, when the air is warmer than the ground, noise energy from an airplane staying in the air, so while you can still hear it, it seems quieter. Conversely, at night, when the ground is warmer than the air, the noise is drawn down, making it seem louder.

Back to top button