Bristow wins Irish SAR

[funfinn2000]

Are they still using the same rescue numbers? R116 has ceased operations from Dublin Airport. Bristows are now operating from Weston, which is amazing news for the airport.

[rrekn]

Looks like EI-IRO is using both the R116 and CG116 callsigns operating from Dublin.

[canforcecyclone]

Originally Posted by funfinn2000

Are they still using the same rescue numbers? R116 has ceased operations from Dublin Airport. Bristows are now operating from Weston, which is amazing news for the airport.

They are I am told & going by their SM nothing has changed, interesting but rather silly move to Weston, a move from a 24/7 all weather airport with all relevant navaids to an essentially 9-5 airport that does not even have runway lighting, interesting & stupid all at the same time.

[jimf671]

Irish Coast Guard go-live from new base at Weston Airport (8thJuly 2025)

[canforcecyclone]

Originally Posted by jimf671

Irish Coast Guard go-live from new base at Weston Airport (8thJuly 2025)

Well done to them, still no proper accommodation though & still issues with planning.

[Franks Town]

The money talked.



https://www.irishtimes.com/business/...rescue-hangar/

[coyote_ie]

Just when you think things can’t get any worse with this contract….. Ladies and Gentlemen the current ‘Top Cover’ aircraft for the IRCG…..

[212man]

Originally Posted by coyote_ie

Just when you think things can’t get any worse with this contract….. Ladies and Gentlemen the current ‘Top Cover’ aircraft for the IRCG…..

And your problem is? It’s a DA-62 MPP - a pretty capable platform. The DA-42 MPP was used by the RAF https://www.flightglobal.com/diamond-da42s-shone-during-rafs-iraq-mission/87829.article#:~:text=Two%20UK%20Royal%20Air%20Force,example %20is%20used%20for%20training.

[PANews]

The 2Excel DA62s have been patrolling the English Channel fairly constantly from both Lydd and Humberside as part of the UK Bristow contract. No reported problems although I accept that the Channel is somewhat more pleasant weatherwise than the Atlantic coast.

2Excel also have the bigger King Air (still used in he Channel) and I guess that Bristow and the UK and Irish Coast Guards will one day make a call on whether the DA62 can do the job of the King Air based on actual performance. The same call that led to the changes in helicopter operations for the new contracts..

[OvertHawk]

Originally Posted by coyote_ie

Just when you think things can’t get any worse with this contract….. Ladies and Gentlemen the current ‘Top Cover’ aircraft for the IRCG…..

Pretty sure a DA42MPP, that is there, is more capable than a C295 that's not available!

[212man]

Originally Posted by OvertHawk

Pretty sure a DA42MPP, that is there, is more capable than a C295 that's not available!

62 not 42, I think - sorry to be a pedant! Your point is spot on though. This is an aircraft that is simple to maintain, so should have high availability, and has perfectly good capabilities for the role planned, including a huge endurance.

[fitliker]

Icing limits most aircraft endurance in the North Atlantic . I have seen ice that was like a hose spraying it on Yarmouth NS . A routine flight can quickly become a survival exercise in winter warm fronts . Twenty miles east or west of the front can make a lot of difference . Satellite weather becomes very important. Winds , turbulence and ice . Good times

[JulieAndrews]

But you have room to stretch legs in a King Air!
On a more serious note, the 62 is extremely capable.
I guess it all depends what the remit is

[Franks Town]

That’s CHC and the S92 finished in Irish SAR.

[jeepys]

Originally Posted by Franks Town

That’s CHC and the S92 finished in Irish SAR.

There's also a few Bristow pilots that are finished in Ireland!!!