 Heather Bell's horse bolted after a helicopter flew overhead |
The RAF has been explaining its low-flying policy at an inquest into the death of a woman whose horse was allegedly scared by a helicopter. Air Commodore Dick Gold, MOD director of air staff, said low-flying practices had to be carried out, as Chinook crews would be flying at around 50ft in Iraq.
He said there was a need to fly as low and fast as possible in training.
The inquest into the death of Heather Bell, 38, has been running for five days and will continue next week.
Accident reconstructed
Air Commodore Gold said simulators had a limited role in training and crews did a minimum of real low-flying practices.
Training areas are as large as possible to spread the nuisance caused to the public.
The jury was also shown a filmed reconstruction of the accident, to see whether the pilot could spot riders on the ground.
Mrs Bell died last summer when she was thrown from her horse, which bolted, near Middle Rasen.
It is claimed the animal was startled by a Chinook helicopter.
The inquest is continuing.
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