Jim671: presumably u r ARCC? ...
No. MRT (Comms Offr) plus defence experience (mil and contractor) plus industrial purchaser of helicopter time in remote and craggy places plus several years doing merchant marine procedures (SOLAS, MARPOL, comms).
... to size the operation up is totally unworkable ...
No again. SAR is a collaborative venture. All of the team need to understand what is going on. See CAP 999, 'Ground/Maritime Emergency Servcie Personnel'. The system, as now, depends on briefing and training BEFORE the event. There are THOUSANDS of volunteers and part-time participants in UK SAR and they all need pre-trained.
... Leave airborne SAR to the world of aviation ...
At IKAR Air Commission 2012, a Norwegian member encouraged members not to fixate on the helicopter as the only rescue solution.
Gonnae no dae that TC.
... There will be 2 types of aircraft: long haul and short haul ....
Been whisked around the NW Highlands in a number of craft including 350, 365, SK, S-61 and S-92. I did notice a slight difference.