Crabette,
The point I want to get across is that there are two units on the South Coast, which are responsible for UK Primairy SAR, with a LIMSAR aircraft. For more than 6 months already.......
There is no doubt in my mind that the crews are able to perform their missions safe in the LIMSAR 139, however they will be faced with restrictions operating a Limited SAR aircraft.
The previous operator had a LIMSAR as a back-up aircraft and crews were online with this cab every now and then. But it is a BIG difference knowing that you have an AWSAR aircraft at your disposal soon (when it is repaired) or that management keeps saying that your AWSAR aircraft is expected anytime (for 6 months!!).
Especially with the horrendous autumn/winter weather approaching I could not agree more with the crews for what they did.
Try saving people in distress, floating in the Channel at Night, no horizon, howling winds and rain, without autohover!! Good Luck
