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."

FMI: http://www.mod.uk/issues/lowflying/