And the risk of industrial action. Let's not pretend that UK SAR aircrew weren't less than a few days from strike action about 5 years ago.

I think you'll find this has already been raised by a CAA ops inspector.

Jim - all the new kit in the world won't make for a good SAR service if the people aren't well trained and maintain high levels of competency rather than bare-bones currency.

You still don't get the fact that I do want it to be a success, but I want it to be a real success not a smoke and mirrors PR exercise to showcase the MCA and Bristow so they can sell their new SAR model across the world.

Zic, If I am the only thing civvy operators can think of to ask you about on a job interview, it really doesn't say much for them does it? If knowing me is detrimental to your career prospects then just don't tell them - it's no skin off my nose. There is a big fat file on my desk (my old 5000) that has pages of complimentary stuff about my contribution to flying training and SAR over the years, written by people I respect - perhaps if your future employers want to know the real crab@ they could stop believing what they read on here for starters.

I'm not tarnishing anyone else's reputation - you stand on your own 2 feet and if you are not brave enough to put your head above the parapet when you know something isn't right then that isn't my problem.

Apologies for going off-thread a little, but how did you lay hands on your 5000 series? The last entry in mine would have been in 1984 - but it would still be interesting to have a look!!

Dan, you probably need to talk to Air Command at High Wycombe or ask the question on the Mil forum - I asked for and was given mine as I left.

The world is watching. Not just this contract. People are watching NAWSARH and FI-SAR.

At NAWSARH there may be a few hiccups but the concept of buying your military new large modern SAR helicopters will be of interest and something of a contrast to the UK SAR Helicopter Service.

FI-SAR looks ready to stamp the AW189 situation with BRISTOW'S FAULT in large bold letters. There may have to be lots of smoke and mirriors in stock. :ugh:

If FISAR doesn't launch on time how can Bristow be blamed?! AAR have that contract...

That's not where I am going with that.

If AW189 SAR for FI-SAR is another c0ck-up then it looks like it's all about AW.

If AW189 SAR for FI-SAR is spec complete and certified and on time, or even subject to only minor delays, then looks like it's all about Bristow.

So with two AW189 SAR at Newquay ready for service that will be rolled off a ramp at Mount Pleasant in a few weeks how do you think this looks so far? :rolleyes:

I get your angle now Jim 👍.

Very true, but I believe AAR aren't being particularly transparent with their preparations. From what I hear one of their machines won't be flying for a while after a little mishap.

LZ

AAR aren't transparent about much at all, certainly not employee T's & C's....:=
Sad that most of the new pilots at least are straight out of various european militaries with little knowledge of what the norms would be regarding pay, sickness, pension, bonding, tax, employer/employee liability etc. American company bringing their terms to a european government contract. :suspect:

Hedski

That wouldn't surprise me. My gut feeling always told me that the marriage of one of the lowest paying British heavy helicopter companies and US big corporation cost cutting practices, would never mean a particularly happy lot for the employees.

Any specific examples? How does pay compare to, say, Bristow or CHC in the UK? I hope nobody going to the Falklands has been conned into thinking they could get a tax credit from there. FI Gov has never to my knowledge taxed MOD ops, so, while we in O&G a few years ago were able to return home with a healthy tax credit to offset our home taxes, the AAR//BIH guys won't be in the same boat.

So pay would really have to be at, at least, Aberdeen level to make it worthwhile. All academic, maybe, as beggars can hardly be choosers in today's medium/heavy employment market.

T&Cs are nowhere near Aberdeen....

Are T&Cs in line with BIH Falklands MoD support service though? Aren't BIH sub contractors for the SAR operation?

Pay lower than Bristow/CHC/Bond topped up by allowances which can always be changed, company not able to clarify where tax would be paid if at all, minimal notice on their part to change terms, employee liable for costs if sick or missing flight from UK for whatever reason, 5 days full pay 5 half if sick then nothing, the list goes on. That last one is totally outwith european standards. Type rating bond for 3 years but no linear decrease monthly as would be the norm, employee liable for reimbursement if no longer employed regardless of reason (if you are no longer required do you still pay?).

I'm sure there's more but maybe someone else can chime in.

SAR picture
 

Thought some would appreciate this link:


http://fourfiveart.co.uk/gallery/current-work/
There is a SAR dinner on the 29th at which the artist will be present

Is the Falklands SAR 189 to the exact same Spec as the UK SAR 189?
I somehow doubt it, otherwise they should have the same problems as Bristow seems to have with Agusta.
Therefore the Blame goes to Agusta alone for not providing a fully Equiped UK SAR 189 on Time.

I believe they are the same spec, probably to keep things easy. Looking at the supplements list in the RFM there doesn't appear to be any new SAR kits.

I think the only real difference is what each company wants in the cabin.

Merry Christmas

Thanks and happy Christmas
 

Just an 'off thread' post to wish all the duty crews, engineers and support staff working over the festive period, whether SAR, or other emergency service, wherever you are in the world, a very happy Christmas and thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment to saving life.

SW

Indeed - probably quite busy given the awful weather.

Any SAR involvement in the horrendous flooding up North?

Crab,


A quick google should find pictures of CG in action over Calderdale

Apart from the 5000, did you get to keep the Smoking Glove too?