Frank,
If I may add to Sousza's commentary - I don't mean to chunter on about this, but it is a question of attitude, outlook and professional commitment. Professional military air arms - such as those of Canada, the US, UK, France, Germany, etc., do not accept the notion of 'admin flying'. Every sortie is a military mission, with the possiblilty of engaging in militray activity - much different from corporate flying or offshore oil support (where they at least wear LPU's). As I mentioned in a previous post, even a hop around the pattern could turn into a response to an emergency situation or other high risk military tasking - or just a hard autorotation or serious birdstrike. The point? Regard every flight as operational, including the use of proper kit.
It goes with my other tiresome rant about the image of the IAC as a flying club rather than a professional military air arm. I am not privy to No.3 Wing's flight schedule or training plan, but the IAC does give the impression of a 9-5 flying club that seems to spend an inordinate amount of time and resources preparing for and participating in air shows, flypasts and publicity events.
Of course they are justifiably proud of their new equipment and tehy should show it off to the taxpayers, but the principal requirement underlying 139 procurement was support to Special Forces = day night infils and exfils, including hot LZ's and fire support in urban, rural, mountainous and maritime environments, which requires advanced skills and constant training. Other requirments include tactical helicopter ops in support of land forces, casevac, VIP work, etc. This means getting the FLIR systems and other gear fitted and training, training, training - particularly with NVG's - and implementing exchange training with EU counterparts in the UK, France, Germany, Finland, etc. in order to keep pace with modern doctrine and build up that all-important professional military outlook.
