Alabatross,
The SAR effort was very good.....not saying anything derrogatory about the actual response time itself.
My question could have been better stated.
I will try again so you can understand where I am headed with the question.
The day of the crash, the goverment dedicated SAR machine was away for training.
That information was known ahead of time.
That required Cougar to be their own SAR unit.
That is a standard practice as I understand it.
Did Cougar have a 92, SAR equipped, manned, and on standby ready for launch?
Or....did they have an aircraft available with access to SAR qualified crews and upon callout....then prepare the aircraft for the SAR mission by outfitting the aircraft with the SAR mission equipment and removing a few seats?
That is the only interest I have by asking the question I did.
I know for a fact without any reservation.....that when told of your friends, fellows, and "family" being the reason for your SAR mission....anyone would turn Heaven and Earth to get out there and help them anyway you can. I know that was what happend that day and as it should have.
The only question is was the aircraft loaded and cocked before the call?