RAF DHFS Griffin helicopter (Bell 412) - London Helilanes

[helicpt]

As a training PPL(H) I thought that aircraft must overtake other aircraft on the right hand side whilst in the air, or are you exempt from that through being in the military?

[ajliddle]

Correct - good spot! Military aircraft mostly comply with the rules of the air (although you'll sometimes see NOTAMs which state that military aircraft may be unable to comply). In this case we were in visual contact, radio contact and also talking to the appropriate radar controller. We negotiated passing on the left and everyone was happy.

Good luck with the PPL(H) - you'll have a lot of fun.

[helicpt]

Thanks for the quick response! That makes sense, the only reason I asked was because I currently have my head stuck in my aviation law books, planning on taking the exam this weekend!

Sorry to be nosy but are you still in the military and if so what exactly do you do?

[ajliddle]

Retired from the RAF now, but I spent a few years flying Chinooks. Also flew Bulldogs, Squirrels and Griffins in RAF training. Will soon be flying 737s for an airline and own a share in an Aeronca 7AC for fun and my own currency.