New Flight Restrictions Over Parts of England for Special Helicopter Flights

Attention, flyers! The UK government has announced new temporary airspace restrictions over parts of Greater London, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk. These measures are set to come into effect due to two special helicopter flights scheduled for early May.

Key Dates and Times:

• 2nd May 2025: Restrictions from 15:05 to 16:35 UTC (16:05 to 17:35 BST)
• 5th May 2025: Restrictions from 09:15 to 10:45 UTC (10:15 to 11:45 BST)

Affected Areas:

• The restricted zones are detailed in the regulations, defined by specific geographical coordinates. The areas form complex shapes over the regions mentioned, affecting all aircraft flying below certain altitudes.

Altitude Restrictions:

• Up to 4,000 feet above mean sea level in certain zones.
• Up to 2,500 feet above mean sea level in others.

Exemptions: Certain flights are exempt from these restrictions, including:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Police Air Support Units
• The King's Helicopter Flight

Additionally, specific permissions can be granted to aircraft under the direction of designated Air Traffic Control units at various RAF bases and airports like Cambridge, Northolt, Luton, and Stansted.

Why These Restrictions? The move aims to minimize disruptions and ensure safety during these critical helicopter operations. The Civil Aviation Authority and the Department for Transport have deemed these restrictions necessary in the public interest.

Final Notes:

• The restrictions are in UTC, which is one hour behind British Summer Time (BST).
• Full details will be broadcasted via AIS Briefing Sheets and Notices to Aviation (NOTAM).

For more information, contact Mr. Alan Frew, Airspace Regulator at the Civil Aviation Authority, at 03301 382734. Stay informed and plan your flights accordingly to avoid any inconvenience!