The much-used Bell Jetranger of Sydney's Channel 7 news service. As the number of helicopters in an urban environment increases, so do the problems they create. A typical example is where a boat may give a distress call just off Sydney's northern beaches. Almost instantly helicopters from the media, Police and Surf Living Association will depart their various bases, or seek diversion if already airborne, to converge on the area. Often this involves several helicopters crossing active airways at peak airport traffic times or altering flight plans without notice, presenting operational problems for ATC. Relations between ATC personnel and helicopter operators are excellent despite the problems each operates under from time to time. The introduction of a formal helicopter association will go a long way to ensuring smooth operation in the years ahead when there may be literally hundreds of helicopters operating in the metropolitan areas of our major cities.