Calling all Canadian SAR crews

[Catt]

British student looking for something fun and worthwhile to do in year out, been doing lowland SAR for three years and am planning to go into the RAF as SAR pilot after uni.

Right, that's me - now what do I want?

I would really like to know if there are any SAR units in Canada who train with/use helicopters on a regular basis and who would be willing to take on board a rather enthusiastic student for a week or two in 2003.

Any contacts would be appreciated. I think my email address is logged, if not just reply back here. Thanks! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

EH101

[McDoo the Irish Navigator]

Try this;. .<a href="http://www.casara.ca" target="_blank">www.casara.ca</a>

[Catt]

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

EH101

[Huron Topp]

Hey 101,

the only dedicated helicopter SAR is done by the Air Force. Others who have the secondary duty of SAR would be provincial Lands and Forests dudes, the RCMP, and Coast Guard.

CASARA (the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association) is completely voluntary and has no RW assets of its own. It operates using private fixed-wing (or leased from clubs or schools). However, as SAR is mandated to the Air Force, CASARA works closely with Air Force SAR squadrons, all of which have RW assets. CASARA is in fact funded by the Department of National Defence.

The glitch may be in the area of insurance. Only certified CASARA members are allowed to take part in training and/or operational missions.

[Catt]

Thanks HT,

I had a look at the website and have tried some links - if I don't ask I'll never know! I did manage to secure work experience with the RAF without being a cadet or anything, not sure how that applies abroad though.

Oh well, I can only wait and see. Thanks for the advice anyway.

EH101

[Huron Topp]

Hey, no problem. What part of the country were you planning on visiting?

[Code Blue]

As far as I am aware the only unit to use helicopters exclusively in Canada is 103 Search & Rescue Sqdr at 9 Wing Gander. They fly the Labrador.

You could try calling the Base at +(709) 256 1703 and ask for the Sqdr CO.

Good Luck . .CB

[Caribou 2]

As we are sketching around the topic of SAR and Canada - does anyone have a date for the RCAF decommission of their remaining DHC-5A aircraft.

101 - enthusiam and the right attitude will get you everywhere - Canadians are great pilots and people - enjoy...

(PS - find me a GECT-64-820-3 engine with 0 time while you're over there......)

[Catt]

Thanks for everything guys.

Caribou 2 - hoping not to have time for shopping

:)

Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again for all your help.

[Burnout18]

Caribou 2,

The word is that 442 Sqn in Comox will retire its Buffalo's when the last Cormorant is delivered to them. The last Cormorants to go to 442 will also be the last delivered to the CF, which should take place around mid 2003.

442 Sqn will then pick up 2 or 3 Hercs, from the current fleet.

[heedm]

EH101, I'm a RW SAR pilot at 442 Squadron in Comox. No chance of flying you as a civilian(unless you crash somewhere in BC). We've flown media on some flights, but that becoming more and more infrequent.

If you're already in the RAF, something may be possible but it would require plenty of paperwork. Email me if that's your situation.

Code Blue, the primary RW SAR aircraft are in Gander NF, Greenwood NS, Trenton ON, and Comox BC. The last three fly fixed wing as well. The Combat Support squadrons are SAR assets as well and they fly only helicopters (CH146 Griffon). They're in Cold Lake AB, Bagotville PQ, and Goose Bay NF.

Caribou2, we have no inside info on the Buffalo. Everything we're told is released to the public at the same time. All we know for certain is that the Buffalo will be replaced, and almost certainly with Hercs. There's lots of speculation as to when this will happen, but nothing certain. Most rumours say 2003-2004.

[Caribou 2]

heedm / Burnout 18 - thank you for the update. Where we are, speculation is rife as information is obscure, so your input much appreciated.

101 - hope you have no time for anything but flying (and a fews bottles of "Batt's" - stay away from "urBocks" though !)- you are going learn from the best in Canada.