Not even four crews per flight now....
http://www.western-isles.info/page2109.html
A temporary deal has been reached which will allow the Coastguard rescue helicopter to keep flying.
The Stornoway service is facing a dispute over working hours similar to the row which resulted in a walkout at Shetland.
The Shetland coastguard rescue helicopter was grounded after crew members refused to fly as some are very near to the limit of their maximum working hours.
The Stornoway aircraft responded to an emergency airlift today though crews at the CHC operator awaited clarification over working hours.
However, the Shetland helicopter did not handle potential emergencies this afternoon and cover had to be provided by the RAF Rescue 137 helicopter at Lossiemouth.
As civilians the crews of the coastguard aircraft are not expected to be on-duty for more than around 200 hours monthly while the working time directive places a maximum limit of 2000 hours per year.
However crews spend a lot of time on standby which apparently is being counted towards their total hours resulting in a potential breach of the allowable limit and inviting possible censure from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Private Canadian company CHC operates the helicopter service under contract to the UK government.
A spokesman confirmed that Shetland crew members ceased active flying duties today.
A CHC spokesperson added: "CHC has recently been in discussions with regulatory agencies regarding the application of the Working Time Directive to the Search and Rescue operation in the UK.
"The operation at Sumburgh was suspended for a short period today
pending clarification of specific legislative points. Following discussions with
key parties concerned, full operational services have now been resumed.
"We remain totally committed to providing a robust, safe and efficient
service to the customer."
How long can the MCA and CHC keep this up? Bristows flew here for years without this never ending list of foul-ups!