Following this thread with interest from the beginning I must say that Crabette could not have said it better.
Having quite some experience in SAR on the continent, I can see some similairity's. In the MOD I know, SAR is mainly a
PR tool to keep the taxpayers on their hands. Not much wrong with that if you do a good job. But like many things, SAR is dynamic and operators and aircraft need to keep in pace with the latest technologie, procedures and demands. It is exactly this where the MOD seems the be out of budget and lagging behind. The civies on the other hand, DO stay focused and invest to keep in pace!
Please spread the word to the continent, the Goverment(s) can learn/save a lot!
Night Dipper