08-04-2009, 11:32 AM
I saw a number of them this morning in the Nanawale Estates area. Weather along the coast probably had something to do with the flight pattern change. They were way over 500 feet up. My guess would be 3000+. Sure, I could hear it, but it was certainly not a life changing event.
Helicopter pilots are trained to fly as high as reasonably possible because in the event of an engine or transmission failure, the ability of the helicopter to make a safe landing increases as the altitude increases due to the way auto-rotation occurs as the helicopter would fall downward. Sure, tour operators want to fly as low as they can to increase the tourists view and tips, but safety is still a primary concern for any pilot. No pilot wants to risk their own life.
Helicopter pilots are trained to fly as high as reasonably possible because in the event of an engine or transmission failure, the ability of the helicopter to make a safe landing increases as the altitude increases due to the way auto-rotation occurs as the helicopter would fall downward. Sure, tour operators want to fly as low as they can to increase the tourists view and tips, but safety is still a primary concern for any pilot. No pilot wants to risk their own life.