A preliminary investigation into a category 4 occurrence that
occurred at Sydney Aerodrome on 29 June 2006, which involved a
reduction in the required visual separation standard between a
departing Boeing Aircraft Company 737 (B737) aircraft and an
arriving Robinson Helicopter Company R44 (R44) helicopter,
determined that the pilot of the R44 had sight of the B737 at all
times, and that there was no risk of a collision between the B737
and the R44.
The inadvertent reduction in the required visual separation
standard was as a result of the pilot in command of the R44
misjudging the acceleration of the B737 during its take-off roll.
The likely safety outcomes of continued investigation did not
warrant further allocation of resources.
Status: Downgraded the occurrence to category 5 and
investigation discontinued.