gentlemen + ladies
i read these threads in relation to SAR from time to time, and i have to say it can be frustrating
Is the 16€ million you mention the budget allocated to the THREE coastguard SAR bases? currently providing 24HOUR coverage! these three bases run a 365 day service using around 60 staff (no half day Wednesday's)!,or is this figure the budget to the aer corp for Sligo. Do you seriously think the Aer Corps could do it with those same numbers and the same budget. Anybody who thinks the aer corp at a later date will provide SAR countrywide is living in cookoo land.The sooner people face the facts that the Aer Corp are on their knees in relation to SAR at the moment,the better.WHO'S TO BLAME,I DON'T kNOW,maybe somebody on this board could enlighten me.What i do know is a non cost effective amount of money is been paid for the S-61 at sligo,the only thing it's providing is a search and wave service.good to nobody,is that value for money?,I dont think so.A person who is unlucky enough to require the service doesn't care if its the coastguard or the aer corp who pick them up, in fact they probably don't know the difference.What they want is the comfort of knowing that somebody will be there to assist.
Regards
An irish SAR heli pilot:)