Helicopter Low Flying Training Review Puts Safety First
A death attributed to a
horse spooked by a low-flying helo has produced new directives from
the UK's Ministry of Defense. An inquest into the death of of a
rider conducted in October 2005 by HM Coronor for Louth and
Spilsby, concluded that the rider died as a result of head injuries
sustained when she was thrown from her horse which was spooked
after being overflown by a Chinook helicopter conducting tactical
low-flying training. In November 2004, the Coronor wrote to the MOD
making nine recommendations for change in respect of low flying
training by helicopters. He asked that the Ministry of Defence
consider these in order to reduce the risk of such incidents taking
place in the future.
In December 2004, the MOD announced that it would review
helicopter low-flying and examine each of the Coronor's
recommendations. The Review looked at how much low-flying training
we conduct; where it takes place; and steps that could be taken to
enable helicopter crews to detect horse riders. The
conclusions of that review have been now been published.
An improved helicopter low flying advice line and a joint safety
campaign with the British Horse Society were announced by Under
Secretary of State, Don Touhig. The measures result from a
wide-ranging Ministry of Defence (MOD) review into helicopter low
flying training, initiated in response to recommendations from the
Louth and Spilsby Coroner.
Under Secretary of State for Defence, Don Touhig, said:
"Armed Forces helicopter crews must be able to train at low-level
if they are to operate effectively around the world. Low flying is
essential in battlefield operations for surveillance and other
tactical support.
"As far as possible, we aim to minimize disruption to the public
by spreading training across the country and conducting the minimum
necessary amount of low flying training. We aim to do everything
feasible to minimize the risk to the public and particularly to
horse riders. That is why I am pleased today to announce
improvements to the information available to the public about
helicopter activity."
The Review looked at
how much low flying training we conduct; where it takes place; and
steps that could be taken to enable helicopter crews to detect
horse riders. The review established that the amount of low
flying undertaken was a necessary minimum to ensure helicopter
crews maintain operational effectiveness.
From 3 October, more accurate information on planned helicopter
flying will be available to the general public through the MOD
freephone helpline. The public will be able to find out when
training is taking place within new routinely-used Helicopter
Training Areas, and routes and times of planned flights outside
these areas will also be available.
A joint campaign by the MOD and the British Horse Society to
encourage horse riders to take action to be seen by low flying
helicopters is also being launched this week. The Be Seen - Be Safe
campaign expands the existing
British Horse Society road safety initiative and encourages riders
to wear high visibility clothing to help helicopter crews spot them
earlier and take avoiding action.
Commenting on the campaign, Don Touhig said:
"We are launching the Be
Seen - Be Safe campaign in conjunction with the British Horse
Society to offer practical advice to horse riders. As in the tragic
case of Mrs Bell, horses can be spooked by the unfamiliar noise of
low flying helicopters. We deeply regret Mrs Bell's death and this
campaign aims to minimize the chances of such an incident occurring
again."
Welcoming the MOD's response, Head of Safety for the British
Horse Society, Sheila Hardy, said:
"The British Horse Society is extremely grateful to the Ministry
of Defence for taking action to minimize the risk to vulnerable
horse riders.
"Research shows that on the road, horse and rider can be seen a
full three seconds sooner by a driver travelling at 30mph, when
they are wearing fluorescent clothing; now MOD research has shown
the need to Be Seen - Be Safe also applies when riding off-road
too. Combine the MOD research and their improved information
service together, and we hope that those who ride in areas which
are affected by low flying helicopter activity will feel safer.
"We urge all riders to read the new information leaflet issued
jointly by the MOD and BHS and at all times to Be Seen - Be Safe,
wearing something light and very bright every time they ride, on
road or off."