Turbo-prop Single Pilot IFR
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Turbo-prop Single Pilot IFR
A fatal crash of a Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft (a Kingair) during an instrument approach into an Australian country airport has been a discussion point on the Australian Forum.
The aircraft on a medical flight at midnight, was flown by a highly experienced pilot. The only other occupant was a nurse who survived the impact.
It looks like a classic CFIT at this stage. I understand that in Australia all RFDS flights on the Kingair and PC12 have traditionally been flown single pilot, regardless of the complexity of the medical mission. I would appreciate any info on European and UK crewing policy (if any) regarding the crewing of aero-medical flights. Are they generally single pilot as in Australia, or are they crewed by two pilots even though the aircraft type may well be certified for single pilot operation? Is the crewing a company decision or is there a CAA legislation?
It would seem that despite the aircraft (King air and PC12) being certified as single pilot, there is a compelling case to require a two crew operation particularly as it may involve sudden call-out notice in bad weather and difficult environment conditions (complexity of ATC or night conditions).
The aircraft on a medical flight at midnight, was flown by a highly experienced pilot. The only other occupant was a nurse who survived the impact.
It looks like a classic CFIT at this stage. I understand that in Australia all RFDS flights on the Kingair and PC12 have traditionally been flown single pilot, regardless of the complexity of the medical mission. I would appreciate any info on European and UK crewing policy (if any) regarding the crewing of aero-medical flights. Are they generally single pilot as in Australia, or are they crewed by two pilots even though the aircraft type may well be certified for single pilot operation? Is the crewing a company decision or is there a CAA legislation?
It would seem that despite the aircraft (King air and PC12) being certified as single pilot, there is a compelling case to require a two crew operation particularly as it may involve sudden call-out notice in bad weather and difficult environment conditions (complexity of ATC or night conditions).
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The UK CAA used to require KingAirs be 2 crew on AOCs - JAA do not - so most operators have gone to single pilot ops for commercial reasons. Some of those still have a "pilots assistant" sitting in the RHS.
