Good Idea bad planning
The people involved and pictured in the picture know who i am by my username but i live in Warrnambool and i think i will throw in my 2 cents worth.
The Idea of a Rescue Helicopter for South West Victoria is a great Idea and it really is needed. However the way this mob has gone about accquiring one has got a bit to be desired. This whole secret idea is not a smart idea how often do you see Ambulance, SES or Police open an office in secret?
Don't quote me as i have no real knowledge into their operations but to my knowledge they have no backing or agreements with any emergency services. As for SAR i personally believe that if i was the co-ordinator I would much prefer to get 4 R44's searching the 1 Bk. Especially since the R44's are normally in the area courtsey of 12 Apostle helicopters.
They are claiming to be a Emergency service helicopter but to my knowledge and i'm possible wrong but i believe in Victoria you must have a MICA paramedic onboard and not any old paramedic like it is in the other states of Australia but i don't see even a paramedic i see a car yard employee and couple of Volunteer Firefighters and a couple of very skilled commerical pilots. I'm not aware that a first aid certificate is a real great qualification in life saving effort but i have say i would much prefer to see these guys flying over me when i'm stranded then no body.
I have spoken and heard from a few people in the local community and as far as 3 months go i don't agree but a lot do.
Just in closing 2 quick questions
1. does anyone know the rules about single pilot SAR and airwork in a BK?
2. If you are on call 24hrs for SAR or Emergency does it count as duty time if you are living at a premises which is at the same address as the aircraft is housed where ever that could be? In which case do you have to knock back charter or declare a mercy flight?
Finnally to the guys in the picture best of luck, you have had a dream you have made it come true, which is a lot more then most of us on this !!!!!!RUMOR!!!!! Network, I wish you all the success in this venture, Heaven know one of them has had and awful time and he's just trying to help promote flying to all.
Regards