Originally Posted by
Macaco Norte
Are there any UK HEMS operations, using all alleviations/NVIS etc, that use a CAT FTL rather than the HEMS variation
If by ‘CAT FTL’ in the UK you mean the standard CAP371 scheme then yes, some can. It’s not about NVIS or not, it depends on how many daily hours of coverage are required, and how many consecutive late-finishes or early starts.
If you want to fly 12hr single-pilot as standard then CAP371 doesn’t allow this. Similarly, if you want to fly 24hr CAP371 doesn’t permit the standard 2D, 2N, 1 REST, 3 OFF pattern. However, you can cover 19hrs per day multi-pilot across an early and late shift on a 4/4 pattern within the standard CAP371 scheme which is a common HEMS pattern in some locations (with NVIS).
Where CAP371 doesn’t work sensible alternatives can be sought and approved.