Sun Sep 17, 2017 2:42 pm
#1559290
Some details of what you think happened, and what they're specifically asking would be helpful to offer any meaningful opinion.
But my opinion for now would be pull together every scrap of evidence you have about what you were doing (PLOG, logbook, thoughts by any passengers, drop the GPS track into Google earth and use that to show heights), if need be get expert legal advice.
Then meet, without a lawyer (which does make it seem like you have something to defend!), have all the evidence to hand, record the conversation in case that comes in useful, by all means have a friendly grown-up with you but make it clear they're there as a supportive (and ideally knowledgeable) friend, not a legal representative.
And be as open and honest as possible. If you have clear evidence that you weren't low flying (and remember, 501ft separation at 150ft agl is still not a breach of any rules) table it and explain it. Ask for their evidence (almost certainly it'll be sketchy) and the time and opportunity to analyse it.
And if you did "inadvertently" breach rule 5 (or whatever the hell it's now called under SERA) admit it, apologise - give them every opportunity to send you off with a bollocking swapped for a contrite apology and not an appearance in court.
I've dealt with CAA enforcement a few times, mostly to support their work, a couple of times helping defend against a CAA prosecution, and once I reported myself after an inadvertent regulation bust that I decided it was best to be open and honest about. My experience is that *usually* if you do behave like this, they won't make your life any worse than they absolutely need to. Get difficult, and so do they.
If it does turn into a prosecution, then there are a few very good law firms who have a good track record with aviation cases, and I or a few others here can point you to them.
G
(Not a lawyer, have worked for quite a few as a consultant, usually related to the aftermath of air accidents.)
I am Spartacus, and so is my co-pilot.