Pilots union officials representing Irish Coast Guard search and rescue air crew have criticised CHC Ireland’s implementation of a fatigue risk management system ahead fo a takeover, claiming it lacks input from pilots and is flawed compared to prior measures.
The absence of a proper fatigue risk management system was identified as a key factor in the 2017 Rescue 116 helicopter crash, which resulted in four fatalities.
CHC Ireland received approval for a fatigue risk system but did not include biomathematical modelling, which the air crew argues is essential for their demanding 24-hour shifts.
IALPA members may work under the new system “under protest,” as further discussions with CHC Ireland are set for next month and another company, Bristow Ireland, is taking over the contract next year.
