Pilot

Minimum flight crew standards depend upon the category of operation under which the EMS service operates. Strictly speaking, under the air work category, a helicopter EMS operation could utilise a pilot with a private licence with 50 hours total time. Although a Aircraft Operator's Certificate is unlikely to be issued with such levels of experience in pilots, ISAS has drafted the following standards to ensure that EMS operations are conducted professionally. According to NEMSPA, "more than aircraft handling proficiency is demanded in EMS Flying; A well developed judgement in operaitonal decision making, based on long and varied experience is necessary as well".

NEMPSA recommends ATPL(H) as the minimum licence for rotary wing operation with 3,000 hours on helicopters (of which 300 hours must be at night), 1,000 hours on turbine and 100 hours on type (or factory training plus further 25 hours PIC).

The following are draft industry-developed standards. The dilemma facing ISAS is whether such standards should reflect the lowest common demoninator or represent the ideal. The development of specific endorsements for EMS and SAR is being considered.

Qualifications. Pilots employed in EMS operations as captains must meet minimum qualification requirements as follows:

Additional training and qualifications may be required prior to conducting EMS operations. All EMS services should have a documented program matched to their range of operations. This should include detailed operating procedures for:

1. Pilot judgement and decision-making in the EMS environment
2. Operation of loading systems for equipment and patients.
3. Clinical and emergency service communication systems.
4. Fixation or stowage of medical equipment, including specialist fitments.
5. Operation of medical equipment in flight.
6. Special procedures (Med 1, Med 2) and their application.
7. Emergency procedures.
8. Limited performance.
9. Overwater operations.
10. Local area orientation.
11. Local weather patterns.

Services operating 2 pilot or multi-engined aircraft should document the policies under which they operate, including details of training and skill maintenance programs used.

For Rescue EMS operations in helicopters, additional training and recency checking should include:

1. Low flying
2. Sling load (wet/dry)
3. Hoist load (wet/dry)
4. Rapelling
5. Night Sun
6. Search techniques & patterns
7. Mountain flying
8. Airborne dropping of stores

Pilot selection process:

1. Interview
2. Physical
3. Psychological
4. Implemented stresses
5. Flight test