Film flying in the London area can be awkward. To protect the airline traffic at Heathrow, the authorities have created a large airspace area called the London Zone. Any helicopter company, despite having all relevant approvals, is at the discretion of the Heathrow duty controller of the day to approve the flight.

Oddly, superb weather may bring in many weather delayed flights over London, too many and they limit the number in the zone.

The Zone will be closed due to weather if the cloud base is less than 600 ft (180 metres) and/or the visibility is less than 1 km. No money/cajoling or influence changes this; if you can select locations outside the Zone, we recommend you do so.

The London Area

Single engined helicopters such as Jetrangers must use heliroutes. If at Heathrow, due to the wind direction, Jet traffic are taking off heading East (less usual than West) then Heli route H3 is closed = no southern locations in a single engined helicopter.

No non-standard flights are normally permitted within 3nm of Heathrow.

Over the Thames, it varies East of Tower Bridge - typical lowest is 500ft (150 metres). From Tower Bridge to the House of Commons, the lowest is noramally 750ft (230 metres). Flight below 750ft is occasionally possible, but the problem then shifts to avoiding complaints from residents, many of whom are extremely wealthy and influential along this stretch of river. Any CAA permissions only remain valid providing there are no serious complaints.

No flight is permitted within 1km of any Royal Palace or the Isreali and American Embassies unless the helicopter operator has specific permission from the Diplomatic Protection Group.

Over Central London

The lowest legal flight that can be made over London is 1500ft (455 metres). The CAA will issue a dispensation down to 750ft (230 metres) but never lower.

(Even well known locations such as Piccadilly Circus here on the left and St. Paul's are quite difficult to identify from 750ft (230 metres) and it is essential to have a decent stabilised camera in order to take full advantage of your lens.)

·Battersea

Battersea Heliport is limited by planning permission to handling just 6000 helicopters per year, however as London's only official heliport, it is under enormous pressure for usage. To deter unnecessary use, all fees are very expensive. After hours and weekend opening is a concession (subject to availability of the required personnel) and even more expensive.

Typical landing fees are £450 each 

After 15mins the parking fee is £250 per hour (or part hour)

Additional fees:

£100 per landing on "event" days such as the Derby or the F1 grand Prix

Early opening, Late opening, 

New security rules came into force in Oct 2004 to protect the areas of Hyde Park/Parliament plus the City of London and the Isle of Dogs. Permission to fly below 1400ft in these areas can now take up to 28 days.