If we accept the fact that the UK Govt are not likely to buy any more helos, and even if they did, the lead time for getting them in service and training sufficient maintenance and aircrew would be significant, how do we provide more (suitable) helos to the front line? The UK is reported to have c500 helos but I assume that includes a significant number that are in storage or deep maintenance. Are there lower priority tasks which could be set aside (or contractorised) in order to divert existing aircraft & crews to 'stan?
Also, are there a reasonable number of recently retired (PVR) aircrew and maintainers who could be compulsory recalled to back fill?
Last edited by andyy; 16th Jul 2009 at 14:54.