An aviation industry expert says profit has been put ahead of safety on the Gold Coast, while locals who have been tracking helicopter activity express their dismay over a tragedy they believe could have been avoided.
abc.net.au/news/calls-for-review-after-gold-coast-sea-world-helicopter-crash/101839806Helicopter joy flights should never have been approved in the area where the Sea World tragedy occurred, according to an aviation expert.Four people died and several others were injured when two helicopters collided on the Gold Coast last week
"'With the activity they have had and the amount of take-offs and landings, the flying in every weather and the multiple [flights] into relatively confined areas, we were just worried if they had an accident it could land on boats or restaurants," resident Don Espey said.Main Beach resident Sue Donovan has campaigned for a review of joy flights over the Broadwater for years.
Gold Coast Helitours, which was not involved in last week's tragedy, says it fully complies with all safety requirements.In a separate incident, Gold Coast City Council issued a show cause notice to Gold Coast Helitours, which has operated from the Marina Mirage since 1992. "Gold Coast Helitours operates in strict compliance with all requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, under whose jurisdiction air operations are conducted."The frequency of joy ride chopper trips in the area lead Mr Espey to create a group called the Coalition Against Environmental Pollution.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gold Coast helicopter crash survivors share new photos of aftermath, recoveryDramatic new pictures of the fatal Gold Coast helicopter crash have been released by the New Zealand survivors, showing the aftermath of the horrifying collision and their recovery in hospital.
Read more »
Horses cross tram lines, Gold Coast highway after escaping beach promotionBREAKING A group of about 10 people as well as police have given chase trying to capture horses that escaped a racing promotion, but only managed to do so after onlookers said both horses travelled for more than a kilometre up the Gold Coast Highway.
Read more »
Magic Millions: Horses make beach escape at Gold Coast promotionRacing glamour were out in force on the Gold Coast for Magic Millions barrier draw; Japan’s ambassador to Australia urges for ‘vigilance’ against China. Follow updates live.
Read more »
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits 600 kilometres off NT coast, waking residentsResidents across the Top End were awoken in the early hours of Tuesday morning after an earthquake struck near Indonesia. The Bureau of Meteorology says there is no risk of a tsunami.
Read more »
Man charged after drivers shot with nail gun on NSW Central CoastA 19-year-old man will face court today after being charged over separate nail gun attacks on the New South Wales Central Coast - multiple people were reportedly shot at while driving. 9News
Read more »
Woman drowns at popular Sydney beach after surfer dies on South CoastThe death at one of Sydney’s hottest beach destinations happened just hours after a surfer’s death, and brings this summer’s death toll to 30.
Read more »