The role of the Civil Aviation Authority in urban heliports, as with most other activities with which it is concerned, can effectively be summed up in one word — SAFETY. We are concerned, not only with safety of the helicopter crew and passengers, but also with third parties and property and, where relevant, other users of controlled or special rules airspace.

Unfortunately, like most other things, safety can only be achieved at a price and the price to pay is often at variance with commercial interests, private operators’ resources and even with the basic concept of helicopter operation. The Authority, by consultation has aimed at achieving an effective compromise by a flexible application of the criteria where it is safe to do so.