When considering the matter of experience in the change to civilian contractor SAR, I think it's worth examining the period of transition in more depth. Although a quick look at the project programme might suggest a total transition period of 2 years and 3 months, there are other factors to consider.
- The transition started long before April 2015. Civilian SAR on a coastguard contract started in 1971. S-61 started in 1983 and mountain flying was routinely done from about 1990.
- In 2017, civilian crews will have been flying S-92 on maritime, coastal and land SAR missions in the UK SRR for 10 years. Some of what is learnt there will transfer to other modern types.
- Much is yet to be confirmed but next July may bring us more than many expected.
- It's not all about the contract. The regulator has a say in this too. The bidders' training plans are a vital part of both their bids and their AOC applications.
- Everyone takes time with new kit and this is as much about new kit as it is about civilians and contracts. As I understand it, each changeover is on an initial plan of three months. In the past, there has been appropriate flexibility in this matter.
- 12 bases become 10 bases.
- The world is watching. Some of them want a piece of the action too.