PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - HNZ wins SAR in Oz
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Old 2nd Aug 2017, 10:38
  #61 (permalink)  
Twist & Shout
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: OZ
Posts: 281
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Originally Posted by gulliBell
Glass cockpit helicopters have been operating in Australia for the past 20 years...SAR optioned helicopters even longer. S92 is a more recent introduction to the national fleet. But a helicopter is a helicopter so surely there is ample local experience out there to fully crew all Australian requirements without needing to import foreign labor. It's a sign of the times moving away from expatriate helicopter pilots: China, Thailand, Indonesia, Nigeria, and many other jurisdictions are gradually closing up shop to foreigners and hiring and training only national pilots.
There are Australian experienced S92 SAR pilots, including the ones working for another operator, who are providing the contracted SAR service HNZ are failing to suppply. There are also numerous highly trained EC225 SAR pilots, now with S92 endorsements and experience.

I'd suggest, as mentioned by others, the reason for hiring overseas crew is down to the lower pay and conditions they might be prepared to accept. (Especially if still residing in a country with a lower cost of living.) Most experienced Australian pilots are hesitant to work for a company leading the race to the bottom.

Ironically, the rumour is; that part of the reason for HNZs inability to provide contracted service is the failure of some overseas crew to validate/convert their qualifications correctly/sufficiently.
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