Speechless2 - Why is it always assumed that the civilian way of doing things is new, better or cheaper? I defend my service and the job we do robustly because we are going to be sold off for the sake of convenience and a dwindling MoD budget, not because we aren't any good or can't launch for SAROps because the aircraft are U/s. If you don't understand my frustration at this then so be it, if you want to see this as poor CRM or arrogance then so be it. You make so many unfounded assumptions about me without knowing me that I am rather glad not to be working for you.
As for visiting an MCA flight, I am still waiting for an invitation - but how many MCA pilots have visited an RAF SAR flight recently to see how we do business, it's not a one way street you know.
3D - we have been carrying an emergency hoist for many years now and it has yet to be used in anger. I do seem to be quite good at putting peoples backs up, maybe I should write a book about it.
