Recent changes to the London rules

The changes follow the 2013 Vauxhall helicopter crane accident and the CAA's review of onshore helicopter operations.

What changed

CAP 3066 consultation (5 Dec 2024 to 12 Feb 2025)

CAA proposed SVFR minima of 3,000 m visibility and 1,000 ft cloud base across the London CTRs, citing the 2013 Vauxhall accident and CAP 1864 Onshore Helicopter Review. Source

CAP 3147 decision (July 2026)

After 42 responses (52% wanted less restrictive visibility), CAA narrowed the area to EGR160 only, 1,000 ft ceiling and 3,000 m visibility, automatic exemption for HEMS, NPAS, military and SAR operational flights; target AIRAC 12/2026, effective 26 Nov 2026; dispensation mechanism under consideration. Source

CAA heliport consultation (8 Dec 2025 to 27 Jan 2026), response CAP 3199A March 2026

Policy framework for Heliport Certification and Safety Management Systems; comment response document published March 2026. Not about noise or routes. Search summary says 'broad support'. Source

Vauxhall helicopter crane accident, AAIB AAR 3/2014

Agusta A109E G-CRST, 16 Jan 2013, about 0820, struck crane jib at St George Wharf at about 700 ft amsl in reduced visibility; pilot and a pedestrian killed. Causal: pilot turned onto collision course with crane. Contributory: continued towards London Heliport though unable to stay clear of cloud. Ten Safety Recommendations. Source

Safety Recommendation 2014-025 and 2014-026 (to CAA)

CAA to require UK ANSPs to assess the effect of notified obstacles on procedures for published VFR routes (025) and for non-IFR flights in CTAs/CTRs (026). Made 9 Sep 2014. CAA wrote to all ANSPs (22 Dec 2014); AAIB assessment 'Adequate - Closed' for 025. Source

Safety Recommendation 2014-027 and 2014-028 (to DfT)

027: DfT to implement a UK-wide mechanism for formal reporting and management of obstacle data compliant with Regulation (EU) 73/2010. 028: DfT to remind recipients of ODPM Circular 01/2003 to notify the CAA of obstacles in planning permissions. Made 9 Sep 2014; DfT response 5 Dec 2014. Source

Vauxhall: consequences in the routes

The 2019 London Helicopter Routes Working Group (CAA, NATS, MOD, industry) led to recommended minimum altitudes on the routes and a London Helicopter Meteorology Brief with the Met Office (service started December 2016). Source

NPAS 2026 operations

NPAS Newcastle returned to a 24-hour operating model in December 2025 (outside London, context for national fleet changes). Source

Battersea heliport and residents (May 2025, not primary)

Putney News reported the heliport planned to leave the council-led consultative group; movements around 8,000 to 13,000 a year. Non-primary; treat as a lead only. Source