Contract and Scheduling
On 16 April 2024, Vyatkaavia LLC entered into a contract (No. 0340200003324003947) with the Kirov Regional State Budgetary Healthcare Institution 'Kirov Emergency Medical Station' (SSMP) to provide aviation services for medical assistance. Under the contract, Vyatkaavia established daily round-the-clock duty schedules for aviation personnel, including aircraft and crew preparation, as well as flights in response to SSMP requests.
Pilot's Duty Swap
The duty schedule for aircraft commanders of Vyatkaavia on 26 October 2024 did not include the deputy general director for flight operations (referred to as the commander, or KVS). However, through mutual agreement with another Vyatkaavia pilot, the KVS substituted into the schedule and began duty at 08:00 on 26 October.
Post-Medical Exam Arrival
From 13 to 25 October 2024, the KVS underwent a medical examination (VLEK) at the Federal Budgetary Institution 'Central Clinical Hospital of Civil Aviation' in Moscow. Following the exam, he arrived in Kirov by passenger train at 08:33 on 26 October and commenced his duty shift.
Home Standby
From 09:00, the KVS performed his duty from home, in accordance with section 2.4 of the Vyatkaavia Flight Operations Manual for medical aviation work on An-2, Ansat, and Mi-2 aircraft. During this time, he remained awake for approximately 5 to 5.5 hours.
Dispatch Call
Around 14:00, an SSMP dispatcher telephoned the KVS to inform him of the need to perform a medical evacuation flight to the urban-type settlement of Darovskoy in Kirov Oblast. After receiving the request, the KVS analyzed weather forecasts and checked for any amendments to the current forecast.