Obviously this thread/subject has some firing Q's left right & center.
I don't wish to add too much here in detail as there is a lot of personal involvement here for me & my work colleges.
Some facts though seeing as this is all fast becoming pulblic knowledge:
There was options for various airframes to be used for the new contract.
(actually the old Beech wasn't named, there's no req for a KingAir as such but is obvious as no other airframe can do the current task) All B200, All B350 or a combo for both, the latter presents all sorts of issues re availability to perform the contract with a particular type not being available due maint issues as an Eg.(that's just my opinion too) A combo would almost require more airframes than a dedicated type to cover all contingencies.
AWK is the Cat for Aero Med BUT the contractor would also require to have CHRT on their AOC as well (obviously Pelair has I would imagine) as some tasks are not within the current contract AeroMed associated & therefore would fall outside the AWK Cat if the B350 was being considered for that non AWK particular task, (if that makes sense!).
Some airfields currently being serviced by the B200 would have to be dropped off the ALA's reg (due tire press for Eg.) if an all B350 fleet was utilized,this the Air Ambo's are aware of.
"ZZZ" Good question. In my opinion the B350 is a waste for 90% of the Vic Ops. Too small a state Vic is.
As for non aid AD's at Ngt? Well it's a wank anyway in my opinion. What difference is there from a B350 to a B200 that removes that ability? Bugga all! Still SP ops, still Cat B, and a Vref of around 5 kts or so over the B200, yep I can see the sense in not allowing the B350 to do what ist's bro does now.......NOT! 12500lbs have the rule makers thinking oh it's far more complex to operate now it's over that 'brick-wall' figure.............there's your biggest problem, the goons behind the rule book!
So for now we wait & see. As I said in my previous we at EN have a great crew from the guy who sweeps the shop floor right up to the CP, shame to see all that flushed away due possibly to $$$$$
Personally I'm okay with Pelair being awarded the new contract (when it's signed) I agree to fair play & a level playing field as anyone is entitled to bid as long as they can at the end of the day provide the same safe & efficient services we have been offering for many years(at a cost), there in lies the $50Mill question! It all comes at a cost, so what cost safety?
Good luck to all my work mates & those directly effected by this decision.
Wmk2