Helio Lovers (Cormorant)

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For you helicopter lovers, the boys from 103 SAR in Gander NF with the Cormorant are breakin records every few days, hauled 20 people off a Fishin' Boat (2 at a time) off the south coast couple of days ago in wicked, wicked weather.  They broke the previous one which was only a couple of weeks (I believe) earlier.  The new beastie is really something, but only as good as the guys and girls flyin and haulin'
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[ozzy72]

Anyone in SAR is totally barking mad!
They are also fantastically talented, brave and dedicated.
But definately mad.

Ozzy

[Splash]

Yep, I worked with em'.  They're all heros - toughest of the tough - They are takin' a beatin' from the prop wash when winched up and down on the the new beastie (and a winch delay/stop & start problem that is being looked at) but they get more time over the site and more distance with this one.  Rah, Rah, Rah for all SAR Techs!!!!!
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[Rifleman]

Back in the summer, before the Cormorant came on strength, I was standing 100 ft from the runway at Courtenay Airpark, when one did two touch-and-goes and this wasn't the only occasion it occured....we're are only a few miles from Comox, where they were being worked up and crews were training daily.....sadly, when the instructor in the right seat waved to me, I didn't have my camera.

[Splash]

Yeah, Rifleman, I live near the base at Gander, see them on a regular basis doin' their thing.  My neighbour is a tech and they drop him off once in awhile near our back yard.  It was sad to see the Labrador go, but this one is so powerful a platform for search and rescue now.  I just wish I could have flown on a Cormorant before I retired.
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