No more SAR -

[yossarian]

Well written editorial in todays (Jan 2nd) Irish Times about the Air Corps and the loss of SAR.

Check it out.

[IAS]

Can you post it (or a summary of it), some of us don't have access to the IT.

IAS

[Silver]

Now that the Corps have effectively 'lost' their full time SAR role, perhaps now is their chance to replace that role with a proper 24-hour HEMS/Air Ambulance service ?

..... 2 or 3 HEMS A109's would be a great step up from the current situation ?

[alpha foxtrot 07]

it sounds like we are grasping at straws here, i want to see a role for aer corps heli ops as much as the next guy but lets get real about this. i give the corps 10 to 15 years until it stops being any kind of realistic military force, ie it will be dead.

[FiannaFail]

Silver,
We provided many years of excellent SARs service but with the development of the ICS we now can concentrate on our military role.  Prior to the development of the MATs our main role, especially in the public eye, was SAR. Loosing SAR may be a blessing in disguise - we should now concentrate in building up our military role.  Lets the campaign begin - I personally feel we need to involve ourselves in some military alliance - perhaps ERF with an Air Corps involvement for starters. Leave air ambulance services to a more dedicated service and we will then become more air defence focussed!
Any ideas how this issue can become a national objective?
FiannaFail   '>

[sealion]

How come I find myself agreeing with FF? Has the world gone mad?
SAR was a huge drain on Air Corps capabilities over the years,thoug it did create the incentive to get involved in Heli Ops first day,but instead of having true multirole aircraft,all the rotary wing fleet was destined for SAR,limiting its usefulness in other areas. The only time we had a true Military Heli operation was in 1982 with the mighty green Puma. I look forward to another green Heli operating in our island,with the roundel on the side,and a tricolour on the underside..
Apparently there is still a requirment for 2 Medioum Lift helis..It seems both the ERU and the ARW require large helis capable of transporting them and all their equipment anywhere in the country at short notice,and MLH is the way to do this.

[Pink Panther]

FF is right on this one.
When a dedicated air ambulance service gets up and running(not so sure about HEMS) it will be an all 32 county service,Probably with four aircraft in total, one based at Belfast, Dublin, Galway,& Cork.It will be operated by a civie contractor.
On onother topic I believe the A- 109 whichever model it is they are thinking of purchaseing is not the right aircraft for utility work.As for ML heli's, don't hold your breath. :'>

[alpha foxtrot 07]

i said that in a different post, the idea helo for the corps is the UH-60, it is a true multi role helo.

[Silver]

Many people here have stated that SAR was the only way the general public knew/cared about the AC.

So wouldn't a HEMS service be an even better of gaining public support for the Corps ?

[p.diddy.cool]

Id have to agree about alot of the points you mentioned, well said!

happy 2004

regards P.D.C