In reply to Frank4short:
> (In reply to PeterM)
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> No, of course it isn't, but then again Bristow don't offer S&R services in the alps their primary focus is marine S&R which is the primary focus of the contract.
- I bet they'd bid if there was a contract up for grabs.
As much and all as we, the climbing community, like to think of ourselves as special in this particular instance we're the add on not the focus.
- Exactly and we could be a very costly 'add-on' as far as they are concerned. Some numpty up Ben in jeans/trainers gets himself in a fix leading to a costly and arguably uneccessary and avoidable rescue. I could see them seeking some sort of redress for that.
>However in saying that if it's the same pilots/crews in newer, better equipment why would there be an reason to believe the service would deteriorate.
- It is not the equipment or staff that is the problem, as I said before, - it's trying to run a commercially viable operation that may become the issue.
> Again supposition and speculation with no basis behind it. Why do you believe it's more likely that rescue will become a charged for service now?
- As i said previously I hope I'm wrong about this, but Bristows is not a charity, and operating costs will rise - fuel, parts, insurance, wages, pensions, e.t.c.