Many thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
Any other comments would be appreciated, specifically with regard to numbers of days off per year, whether it really is possible to predict days off a year ahead (!) and a little more info on the reserve periods. Specifically:
do they keep the 5/3/5/4 pattern on track?
how long are they, how do they work - are you issued a blank roster and then allocated time off to meet the requirements of CAP371?
I'm eternally grateful for your input guys,
EW