Its been interesting watching this thread go off track, on track and abck and forth. I for one think having the asset there when needed is of great benefit, whether it is used or not. Its like forking out the money for fire fighting helicopters. Pollies say we didnt have a bad fire season this year so no need to rent the big toys, but sure enough when the !!!! hits the fan everyone, including that pollie will be asking why they didnt have the assets.
The bottom line question seeems to be were any lives saved by the SAR aircraft. In reality the chances of them having a direct involvement in this happening are probably slim to none, unless of course they are right there when the pilot punches out. As someone mentioned they have picked two Macchi pilots out of the bush, now had they been left there until ground crews got there, then they might not have survived. In my opinion those two lives saved were worth ten years worth of costs. Heck if you save one life its worth it. Not everyone is grateful for the jobs SAR crews perform.
I have visited Sale and Willytown a couple of times and the crews impressed me. And the most important thing is the fighter jocks appreciated having them there. Now isnt that who they are there to look after??.
One thing I also cant see the point of arguing about is whether it should be civil or military doing the SAR work. Shouldnt the civil industry be thankful that they have it, doesnt really matter who gets it, as long as its civil infustry benefits. If the RAAF or any other military wants to spend their tax dollars on that, then so be it, their decision and one that I applaud. It allows the civil industry to expand and give more younger pilots a path to gaining those hours. Yes CHC may be owned by overseas interests but I for one havent seen any non aussies flying their machines and management, from Ian McBeath down, from my understanding are all Aussies anyway.
Now having a SAR helicopter on standby should you need it is a great comfort for those jet guys and I know that for a fact. I was unlucky enough to be involved in a midair while flying in an F-16 in the Gulf of Mexico with a USAF unit from Homestead AFB in Florida. Now the aircraft we hit was not as lucky as us, even though we had major damage and limped back to Homestead, and the pilot punched out at 6500ft about 100 miles from the keys. A Coastguard HH65 was scrambled and Dennis was only in the water for about 40 mins. Now his raft didnt inflate properly so it was U/S, and there were sharks everywhere. His comments were that he has never been so happy in his life to see that Orange HH65 heading his way and the rescue swimmer in the water beside him. To me that highlights what SAR is all about. The one time they were needed, they were right there and saved his life, especially when he had suffered minor spinal damage.
Had that been a Hornet or Macchi pilot from Willytown or a PC-9 guy from Sale then I can guarantee the pilots thoughts would have been the same, and can you really put a price on anyones life. What if that had been your son or daughter in that position. Whats more important, their life or saving a few tax dollars.
So is the asset the RAAF have worth the money - Hell Yes.
Is it Needed - Hell Yes.
Just my two cents worth.
