police observers - passengers or crew?
Police air observers are classified, by the CAA and their forces, as passengers. We are, I believe, systems managers on the aircraft and, on many occasions, assist the pilot in the day to day routine of moving and managing the aircraft. Is this a get out clause for the police force involved in the use of the observer? As a passenger our claim in the event of any accident is limited. If the worst scenario occurred our next of kin would be unable to claim more than pennies from the force operating the aircraft. As apssengers we are also unable to claim flight pay! I would welcome views of others in the rotary profession.