IHL,
I never said offshore / night winching op's were a "single pilot" operation. Our SOP's don't allow it either. What I did say is that single pilot SAR/EMS op's can and are carried out safely provided all the requirments are met. And yes there are times when it is appropriate to take two crew.
Out of Balance, I don't know any single pilot M/E IFR SAR/EMS pilots who do what they do because of a so-called "Macho" attitude. How many accidents have occured "downunder" in these types of operations that are attributable to having one pilot? (I can't recall any off the top of my head)
