Crossing the divide
One of the most terrifying events that can happen to a VFR pilot is to loose visual reference to the ground and enter into what is called inadvertent IMC.
In a helicopter, we have the luxury of slowing down and allowing ourselves extra time to make decisions, even landing almost anywhere. Sometimes there is enough visibility and ceiling to safely make our way in uncontrolled airspace when there is lots of contrast between sky and terra firma, but there are times when we can be challenged by barriers such as a river that need to be crossed to continue on.
When crossing a river or other wide expanse in poor visibility, make sure you have sufficient visual reference to the other side. The best way that I have found in addition to slowing down or staying on the ground in crappy weather is to fly at a 30 to 45 degree angle out from the clear shoreline, keeping the clear shoreline out the pilots side of the helicopter.
Hopefully the distant shoreline will come into view before good sight is lost with the departing shoreline. If you find your originating shoreline is fading in the snow or mist/fog prior to seeing the other side, it is a simple matter of making a 30 or 45 degree turn back towards the visible shoreline. So there will be a time when both shorelines are visible at the same time. When it is clear the destination shoreline is reachable, then make the turn directly towards it.
Bear in mind that power transmission lines will often cross a river at the same narrow point that a helicopter pilot might choose in poor visibility. Beware1
Don't ever head straight out for the other side in poor visibility with the clear shoreline directly behind you without having a clear view of the other side. Making a 180 would require turning directly through a long up river white-out.
There have been many a wreck from lost reference, you may worry about being reprimanded for not going out in less than poor weather but at least you'll be alive to defend your actions.
Happy flying
Posted 1 November, 2010 - 13:54 by george