As usual Australian Heli rescue services try "to make Strawberry Jam out of Kangaroo droppings" ...now Australia does need Heli rescue services the problem is that the various Govt. agencies don't really want to know and will only assist with funds when it is politically necessary ... the result is as we see short cuts and using whatever a/c is dormant in the back of a hangar in an effort to get a contract or operate the cheapest way possible ... enthusiasm is great its just that without the skills and experience of "aged" and possibly "expensive" crews the level of risk goes up ...this old crap arguement of single engine is ok and can do the job is "nearly" always put forward by those who really don't have to do it or are too inexperienced to know how it sholuld be done in a manner to REDUCE RISK to all concerned ... the fact is it is only when you can get into medium twin engined helis do you get the choices of (autopilot? proper IFR capability?) equipment needed to be able to carry out the tasks reliably and with the minimum risks to all concerned with the operation including the political fallout from a underfunded if enthusiastic but inexperienced operator pushes a crew into an accident !
