While planes operate in heavily regulated paths, how come helicopters travel as they please without collision risk, e.g. copter cams following a car chase?

Question

While planes operate in heavily regulated paths, how come helicopters travel as they please without collision risk, e.g. copter cams following a car chase?

In: 309

Answer 1

planes have specific speed requirements and aren’t anywhere near as maneuverable as helicopters. A 737s cruising speed is, like, 500 miles per hour. That would be insane at the altitude where helicopters are following car chases. Similarly, a performing a 180 degree turn in a 737 requires a whole lot of real estate. A helicopter can literally stay in one place while aloft and perform a 180 without moving