I would not be at all surprised if Marignane were beavering away designing a specialist SAR version of the 225.

Is that one you can stand up in?

Have I missed it? I can't see any reference to training locations in the DfT's documents. Without a common training location for the provision of introductory and conversion training, you'll end up with different interpretations of SOPs, different kit and consequently, different levels of service at the various flights. Surely the aim is to eradicate that.

Vie, why? We haven't managed it in the last 70 years so why start now;)

TOTD - Chiv would only refuel at Culdrose if their cab was already on a job and another long-ranger in the SW came up. Normally our long-rangers are West of Ireland and require refuelling at Castletown Bere.

TC - just because you like it there doesn't mean everyone else has to suffer:E The truth hurts;)

...or they didn't have an aircraft, or there was only one job but it was beyond the range of a Mk 5.

I'm well aware that this doesn't happen often, but my original point stands that there seems little point moving the SAR unit 'inland' from Culdrose to Newquay. Or am I missing something?

Hey Pink Panther, Ireland can afford twice the amount of s92's than they have oredered for SAR, did'nt they just get 7 billion form the UK taxpayer?

TOTD, what would be more interesting is how the RN would try to 'control' operations on the airfield by a civilian unit - I suspect the extra flexibility of Newquay (or other location) would make operating away from Culdrose more attractive. Not to mention CU's poor weather factor.

Crab

What poor weather factor?

Culdrose is fantastic for rotary, and has two brilliant fall back options, Falmouth docks and Penzance for the truly bad days. One of them will always be an option.
Never ever had to divert in a helicopter from Culdrose, and only once fixed wing despite launching in red as a red thing countless times on SAR shouts.

Crab

We were controlled by the RN at Lee-on-Solent in the early days of the CG SAR in the late 80's. (ATC and airfield movements that was). There were no real problems there.

Obviously the "shouts" were controlled/co-ordinated by the CG

Just a thought Tourist - the Penzance helicopter facilities will surely all too soon become part of Sainsburys car park. Whilst I enquired here about the Culdrose SAR facility moving to Newquay I greatly admire the work 771 have done and would prefer it to remain at CU as the base has served us well.
I hear today from a mate in North Devon that Nick Harvey M.P. is suggesting in the North Devon Journal that once SAR is privatised the Chiv unit could move to Exeter or some other location.

With all due respect to the MP, many bases could be used and I doubt he has any knowledge of the matter, just a keeness to have his name in the press.

Why would they want to move to Exeter with a relatively new hangar etc. being turned over to ??? when Portland closes??:confused::confused::(
3D.

Further stuff:

http://www.pprune.org/military-aircr...60-sarh-6.html

gapSAR
 

Not long now before the announcement. Actually quite excited.

Will we know tomorrow or not? It's all very quiet.:E

The winners may have been notified late last week. My money is on Chc lost the lot.

With seven UK SAR configured platforms already in place, partly paid for and doing the job very well (or so I hear), I would have thought the least risk solution would be to snopake the Interim SAR contract and insert GAP-SAR on the header and keep going, so it will be interesting to see which operator and choice of platform(s) is/are selected.

How much money are you placing on CHC losing the lot? PM me for odds because I'll be happy to take your bet.

"seven UK SAR configured platforms already in place"
Aren't four of them earmarked for eventual transfer to Ireland?
3D

And Sikorsky are ready to supply 4 more brand new SAR fit S 92A.
High fives in Houston anyone?

If I were a betting man an each way bet might be the safer option.