Hedski, if they want a really cheap option they could get rid of SAR helicopters completely, there is nothing in the Chicago Convention that says you must provide them. The Dept for Transport only has to provide Search and Rescue facilities in its area of responsibility - these are unspecified facilities. The only reason the SAR helicopters exist is because the MoD provide immediate rescue cover for ejected or crashed Military aircrew - we only spend 0.5% of our working life doing these jobs because fortunately military crashes have reduced in frequency over the years. The rest of our working life might as well be spent being productive so the MoD allows the MCA, NHS, MRTS and police to request our assistance on appropriate rescues through ARRC Kinloss.