Had 4 Mi-26 and a dozen or more Mi-17's in Somalia tasked to the UN and they did a sterling job. Canadian Helicopters were also involved at one point and had a huge fleet with a good response/serviceability rate.
Don't see a problem with contracting it out if the needs of the services are met. Takes the pressure off the military fleets by reducing the menial day to day tasking leaving them for the more important sorties.
