So JimL, a couple of questions..... Will this appy to the likes of NHV and DanCopter, who don't have UK AOCs but operate from the UK? And does any other jurisdiction (ie Norway) intend to adopt equally draconian rules in such a short time scale?
Don't get me wrong, I believe that each step provides safety benefit, but 7 weeks notice to reduce the capacity of every helicopter operating by between 30-50% is going to be problematic (understatement of the month) for oilcos and heliops. There is no Cat A EBS in use on the North Sea, at least not that I can find, and the training for whatever new device is selected with take a lot longer than the 7 weeks provided. Not even sure it can be done by the 2016 cut for for all occupants!
I assume the chaps in LGW Ivory Tower have considered all of this though, so I am sure they have a solution in mind.