Air Med, the Oxford, UK-based air taxi, cargo and ambulance operator has developed a flight duty period calculator and planner.

In the interests of flight safety and to promote its services Air Med has made the programme freely available via the download page on its web site (www.airmed.co.uk). As legislation changes, the programme will be updated and can be reloaded.

The programme takes into account the different restrictions for single and multi-crew fixed wing and helicopter operations. It also warns if the finishing time prescribes the next day being a rest day, and distinguishes between duty time and flight time in accordance with CAP371. The calculation can be printed out and filed in a format acceptable to CAA inspectors.

The company says that whilst primarily designed for AOC operators, responsible corporate and private operators who are seeking to fly to AOC safety standards will find the programme useful.