... Rotorwash is NOT a new issue ...
Depends where you're standing/sitting. One old sweat involved in aeronautical rescue recently quiped during a discussion of downwash "if you stood under Whirlwind it wouldn't even part your hair". And that describes well the change that there has been across 50 years. For many of the SAR partners, this is a step change in technology, and especially power.
... As to taking the public on and convincing them that the new service is good. It won't take 5 years, just the first few rescues should convince them ... ...
No. Privatised helicopter SAR has been going on in the UK since Marston in 1971. The S-92 has been used in UK SAR since 2007 and done fine work. So when is this magical transformation of public and press opinion due to happen?
What makes RNLI any less deserving of a proper brief when there is the time to give one?!
When we work with them they always bring their own transport.
