Low Flying Aircraft

This campaign, run in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), came about following the tragic death of Mrs Heather Bell.

Heather died as a direct result of an incident involving a low flying Chinook helicopter. The Coroner stated that this should never happen again and that the MoD had to take action to avoid it. A major review was instigated and, working closely with the BHS, recommendations for better liaison between equestrians and the MoD were agreed.

Physical trials involving horse riders and low flying helicopters proved that the best form of notification of rider presence on the ground was the wearing of a hi-viz jacket/tabard, a hi-viz hat cover and preferably a hi-viz sheet on the horse – pilots were able to see horse riders up to half-a-mile sooner and thus take avoiding action. Many reports have been received by the BHS from riders that have noticed pilots doing this.

Information on all low-level traffic, including fast-jets, together with information on all major exercises undertaken, is available by calling the MoD Freephone Helpline, 0800 515544. This service is based on MoD low flying areas and gives callers the opportunity to receive details of operations taking place in any given postcode area. It is not an automated system, you will be able to speak to an operator.

If you are organising an equestrian event, it may be possible to have it recognised as a low-flying exclusion zone for the period of the event. Also, if you are a Registered RDA centre, the MoD are keen to discuss avoiding your premises when lessons take place.

In the event of any incident you should call the Complaints and Enquiries Unit on 0207 218 6020.

A leaflet and poster containing useful advice have been produced which can be downloaded and displayed in your yard or local tack shop.

Download poster

Download leaflet

More information is available through the following MoD weblinks:

Military low flying

Low flying today