902Jon: London HEMS is unique in that the helo is fitted with 2 Gyros which are separately sourced. Should one fail (pilot/co-pilot) then the other takes over. No other 902 has this fit in the Uk. That is why they are allowed to do night HEMS/IMC.
Bearintheair: I suspect you haven't been doing night HEMS for years because until the JAR OPs 30005d appendix was adopted by PAOC holders, it was called 'casevac' which was a specific role (police) utilised to assist those with an 'immediate threat to life'!
Why do you need 'FLIR' for night HEMS?????? Are you flying on this during your landings and takeoffs??????
In the police world only 2 (I think) do night HEMS:
Wilts and Sussex (in fact I'm not sure if it's only one of these).
They do it single pilot, because:
(a) They have auto pilot (serviceable!)
(b) The CAA have allowed them to fly 'specific to their geographical area' with only one pilot. Unlike us who would never get this dispensation!
(c) They have a qualified 'HEMS' crewmember onboard.
(d) They must remain VMC.
The caveat 'night casevac' remains. All police helos can do night casevacs whenever and wherever they wish provided they comply with the PAOM 1. Though I suspect this will be removed when the PSAOM comes out.
Your turn..................
