[Scan-DC] Those Helos

[Steve Rigby]

Vic/Johanna Culver wrote:

> The 'gas company' helos were at it over Western Alexandria this
> afternoon. They flew several radials anchored at some spot over
> the Southern ridge just beyond I-495 -- one of the passes came
> directly over the house (I was in the yard).  This bird was a lot
> lower than 500 feet!  Scared some of the ladies in the
> 'development.'  Wouldn't you think there would be some notice
> when they're going to buzz the neighborhoods -- this one lady was
> terrified -- in tears!  Vic

   There are, essentially, no regulations that restrict the height
above ground or time of day that helos are allowed to operate.  This
applies to even the least important of flights, such as traffic
reports or sightseeing.  They are pretty much free, within certain
bounds of restricted or controlled airspace, to operate as they please.

   Steve