3:20pm Wednesday 26th November 2008
By Katie Wilson
Two pilots using the Heliport at Battersea have been censured following complaints from local residents.
Both had breached noise reduction procedures in their manoeuvres and a third incident, which involved an RAF crew, resulted in a formal apology to the heliport.
All three cases were reported to the heliport consultative group meeting last Monday.
Heliport operations director Christopher Forrest said: "We have a clear complaints procedure which is widely publicised.
“The vast majority of pilots using the heliport do follow correct procedures but if anyone steps out of line they will get a warning.
"We are aware of the impact of activities at the heliport on our neighbours and are keen to respond to their concerns."
The London Heliport Consultative Group, which includes residents representatives from Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington Chelsea, meets regularly to monitor heliport activities, and has published a residents guide explaining correct procedures for aircraft landings and take-offs.
It states that for safety reasons, helicopters who fly on the north or south side of the river should keep a minimum height of 1,000 feet, bar the initial take-off or final descent.
Copies of the guide are available from the heliport or by calling the Wandsworth Council on 020 8871 7524.
To report concerns visit londonheliport.co.ukor call 020 7228 0181.
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