A review of the congested airspace where two Sea World helicopters collided on the Gold Coast, killing four people, is under way by the national safety regulator.
The two theme park helicopters loaded with tourists catastrophically collided during a joy flight on January 2 and crash-landed on the Southport Broadwater.
The aircraft were flown by experienced pilots Ashley Jenkinson and Michael James on the day of the tragedy.
Mr James had been going in to land with six passengers and Mr Jenkinson was taking off with seven people on board.
Mr Jenkinson, 40, died in the crash along with his passengers: British couple Ron and Diane Hughes, 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros.
After months on the ground, the theme park has resumed tourist flights as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority launches a review of the popular airspace.
An initial review did not indicate any safety issues, but this broader assessment will seek input from airspace users and operators.
“While there’s no indication at this stage that airspace design played a part in this devastating accident, we want to make sure we’ve given all pilots and airspace users the opportunity to provide their views on airspace arrangements,” CASA branch manager air navigation, airspace and aerodromes Adrian Slootjes said in a statement.
Investigators have conducted a visual survey during the first stage of the review and are seeking direct feedback from pilots and operators.
Data will be collected to help CASA analyse aircraft operations, aircraft landing areas, helicopter landing sites and the surrounding airspace.
A separate Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation is under way and expected to be handed down in 2024.
‘We will also be co-operating with the ATSB as it continues its investigation,’ Mr Slootjes said.
– AAP
