Crab,
In response to your point re hours I think 60 per base is sufficent.
We have 8 pilots and 8 crewmen per base who are doing nothing only SAR. 720 hours annually gives 180 per pilot (and per crewman)and this IMHO is enough. Do you average a lot more? We have a wall planner with a list of around 30 items all of which must be done within a specific time period...usually 90 days. In reality we get to do most of the skills on a much more regular basis.
The operational audits are done by an independant auditor employed by the IRCG. He decides if we're doing what it says on the tin. Again he decides what is needed, reviews this on a regular basis and makes his reports and recommendations to the IRCG.
The key word as you rightly point out is cost effectiveness. The bean counters are not some guys who hoard the money if they dont spend it. They are giving it to the cancer units and the homeless folks etc. And there is huge competition for this money. Every night of the week there is a documentary from some deserving group looking for more funding. Another SAR unit or a cancer unit???? Its up to the politicians.
In civvie SAR the goal is to provide the very best service on a finite budget. (Obviously budget is never a consideration on a job.)The bidding competition gives companies the opportunity to do the best they can with the cost base they have. If they make some money, then it motivates them to do it well so they can renew their contract. Is it perfect...? no.. but does it work well?...yes.
I would love to see 10 S92's on the coast at purpose built airfields, with FLIR, NVG and a fleet of vessells at their disposal for training. But unless Abramovich buys Ireland then it aint going to happen!!!