Agree Mr C they still have a way to go before they reach DLOC as a Sqn, doesn't help when you constantly have to deploy small number of frames to support Police, HADR & any number of requests as well as still provide the necessary training for the rest of the Sqn. In saying that 3 Sqn are doing a fine job transitioning and cant be that far off attaining DLOC i'll put money on them reaching DLOC at the next Southern Katipo exercise IMHO.
DLOC is task-orientated. They're already at DLOC and OLOC for some (i.e. over land SAR).
There is a recent example of numbers needed to deploy a complex helicopter on long term ops at a long distance.
And numbers (or lack of) is exactly why I do not see us deploying half our total NH90 fleet on a single op, regardles of if it is potentially our largest deployment or not. Training, deep maintainence, national commitments, contingency etc all still need to be maintained in NZ not only to support said op but also other directed outputs.
So the complete Sqn is at DLOC, so between individual training as well as supporting current needs & Sqn collective training just where did 3 Sqn manage to confirm by deployment as a Sqn that they were and met DLOC? and flying around the airfield does not count and you know it. But before you lecture me on the difference between DLOC & any other training requirement when have you ever trained to meet those directed activities?.
I'm not sure you understand the current version of the operational reporting system. It's moved on a fair way from where it was a few years ago.
RNZAF evidently want to boost it training capability for the NH90, and is looking at prices. Not this is a Request for Information, not an actual tender at this stage.
one of the issues is whether NZ has had observers sitting at the back of the room for Oz 90 events. on that basis it might be the vehicle used to assist in informing NZDF a way forward.
Just had a look at the GETS site and the tender (RFI) was cancelled. No reason stated and no documentation.
The above response is one of the types of responses the Mod team has had issues with. Telling someone who has been vetted and who would have been in a position to know the facts behind their post, that what they're posting is "urban legend" all based upon the # of hours flown in support of SAR operations is problematic. Especially since the post you responded to mentioned Police support, not SAR support.
Thanks Ngati, I should have checked GETS before posting.
Bloomberg have done a story on the cracks. Apparently doesn't affect the structural integrity of the aircraft and the defective aluminium alloy can be replaced during routine maintenance. Article dated 13/5/2016.
No probs. I missed it when it was first posted. Yes don't know what is happening. I noticed that the Ministry acquisition team was hiring a project leader and people for a project team for a fixed term contract. Of course no mention what the project was.
I hope they have good KPI handcuffs to protect the outcome desired then...
No, because they aren't doing the same hours now that they were here. Big difference.