I estimate I was at least 200m below the chopper as it flew over. I had to switch to the telephoto lens to get the footage. It arrived so quickly I wouldn't have had time to land anyway so for me the best course of action was to decend to a safe...
I totally agree with your first sentence. That's a very valid recommendation.
If you're satisfied with filming at a 30m (100ft) distance from the crowd which may be a further distance away of the action, then, by all means, save yourself the task...