Sydney helicopter pilot drops by McDonald's for a quick meal

A helicopter pilot who stunned onlookers with his unconventional Macca's run may not have broken the law but footage of the landing in Sydney's northwest will be reviewed by authorities.

The pilot of the green helicopter landed at a park next to the Rouse Hill McDonald's about 4.20pm yesterday, raced inside to collect his takeaway order before hopping back into the cockpit and flying off.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority's media spokesman Peter Gibson said today the landing was not technically illegal if the pilot had permission from the owner of the land.

Pilots also have to ensure the landing site is clear of obstacles such as power lines and is safe in terms of people, Gibson said

"Was it unusual? Yes. Was it unsafe? We're not in a position to say until we've looked at the footage."

He said footage captured by onlookers will be sent to Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Operation Area in Sydney to be reviewed.

At this stage it's not known who the pilot is, Gibson said.

It's not the first time a helicopter pilot got a craving for a burger while on the job.

In 2007 four powergrid inspectors in Sweden were questioned by police after landing their helicopter outside a McDonalds in southern Stockholm.

The team landed the chopper on a grassy verge by a motorway and went into the restaurant for a meal.

Onlookers called police believing the helicopter had made an emergency landing, but when police arrived they found the four crew eating their lunch.

- AAP