From what I do know
Flightwatch has 6 consoles.
2 do HF for 3 international type areas - 24/7
3 do HF for 3 domestic type areas - but close to only 1 console on overnight shifts.
the last one does VHF Flightwatch daytime, M-F only and the frequencies move to the open domestic type HF consoles for weekends and overnights.
I could be wrong but the staffing requirement for Flightwatch VHF as done by the Flightwatch people is only for the daytime, M-F, so I'd say 3 people absolute tops (and those people are paid less than ATCS)
As for saving money on turing off the equipment, I'm told that equipment is going to be handed over to ATC to enable them to do the function in some areas.
You do the math but I think $500K is on the high side.
As for "Money in DTI" - If only you said that some 8 years ago Dick!
