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Low Flying Helicopters
updated: Jul 11, 2012, 11:05 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

I'm wondering about the number of low flying helicopters lately. I live in San Roque and one just flew by low enough to see right into my bathroom window! Are these hospital helicopters? Are there restrictions as to how low aircraft can fly and if so, to whom do these apply?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 296286	2012-07-11 11:18 AM
Probably, and yes. Contact the FAA. They have jurisdiction.
COMMENT 296289	2012-07-11 11:22 AM
Can't tell you if it was a medical evacuation helo or a SO SAR chopper. But as for seeing into your bathroom window.... they can see about as well as you can if you're driving along the fwy and happen to glance at a home nearby. Not much is visible in daytime of the darker interiors, huh? Nightime with lit interiors is a whole lot different. 1000' is the lowest most aircraft can go.... unless they are on landing approach. I'm sure the pilots in the group can correct my generalization.
COMMENT 296293	2012-07-11 11:28 AM
We live on the westside under their approach and takeoff route and have been counting about 6/wk, Far greater than the 2/wk they said they would have in the planning documents. Is there any penalty for being wrong in the planning documents? If there is, would the City Council have the will to try to apply it to Cottage Hospital? Doubtful.
EMI PHOTO	2012-07-11 11:35 AM
Lots of helo activity in Goleta north of Costco. Looks like a cable hanging off of it moving something heavy no doubt.
COMMENT 296299	2012-07-11 11:38 AM
Lots of helo's hovering and flying in circles late at night lately near the westside/carrillo part of town
COMMENT 296314	2012-07-11 12:11 PM
I live near Dos Pueblos in Goleta. The helicopter noise is SOOOOO loud that I can't work. I emailed santa Barbara news press and keyt, no one knows anything. The noise is going on for hours. What are we supposed to do?
COMMENT 296338	2012-07-11 12:57 PM
321....I could hug you right now....I work (in a factory no less) right near there....it's not so bad...breaks up the monotony of the barking seals, yowling cats and my co-worker's classic rock renditions in key flat.
COMMENT 296351	2012-07-11 01:28 PM
Just pre-programming us for the days when remote drones will be peering in all of our windows, looking for contraband plastic trash bags.
JOHN WILEY	2012-07-11 01:47 PM
Unlike planes, choppers although much noisier can fly as low as they deem safe. FAA Part 91B, 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: "Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes: (a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface. ... (d) ...(1) A helicopter may be operated at less than the minimums prescribed in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, provided each person operating the helicopter complies with any routes or altitudes specifically prescribed for helicopters by the FAA"
COMMENT 296375P	2012-07-11 01:50 PM
Many government and media helicopters have exceptionally good HD cameras, including infrared. The drones about to be turned loose in U.S. airspace may have little or no regulation at all, and most will have cameras.
COMMENT 296426	2012-07-11 03:10 PM
I'm very suprised there is not more up roar over our Government spying on us with drones urrrr watching the terrorists. We are turning into a facist state.
COMMENT 296559P	2012-07-11 08:17 PM
Thank you 351 - I'm humor impaired but your posting elicited an audible chuckle.
CORKY	2012-07-14 11:43 AM
The helicopters were shown in the paper lifting new air conditioning, I think, to Dos Pueblos.

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