Bermuda will be monitored by the Department of Civil Aviation.

Following complaints from members of the public the action has been suggested by Minister of Transport the Hon. Ralph Marshall.

Helicopter operator Mr. Michael Smatt has promised to follow guidelines to keep noise levels low.

"In an effort to minimise the noise generated by helicopter operations, Mr.

Smatt has agreed to fly no lower than 1,200 feet rather than 700 feet when conducting sightseeing tours over land,'' said Mr. Marshall.

"The majority of sightseeing tours offered by Mr. Smatt are conducted offshore where an altitude of 700 feet is permitted.

"Any photographic shoots, which normally require a lower flying altitude, are being co-ordinated with Civil Aviation as to location and duration of the flight.'' The Ministry has also asked Mr. Smatt to minimise low altitude flying at weekends. His lease ends at the end of September.

Mr. Marshall added: "The helicopter operations are authorised only during daylight hours. We have no authorised evening flights.

"We hope that with Mr. Smatt's willingness to co-operate, future noise levels resulting from helicopter flying may be kept to a minimum.

"In the meantime the Department of Civil Aviation will continue to monitor the activity of the helicopter in order to reduce any further concerns by the public.''