Fritz:
I show them no disrespect. You misinterpret what I said/meant (which seems to be the popular thing to do around here)
They don´t go out for fun, even if the skies are fine, they have to train new crews. Or do you want a helo pilot out there for the first time in 45 knots of wind or a captain on his 20.000 hp naval ship that has never faced those breakers?
I am NOT saying that this is wrong. My comments regarding them flying around on a sunny day were simply to counter the illogical statements made by those who are screaming bloody murder at the cost of the rescue operation. By all means correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the cost per hour of operating a rescue chopper be the same no matter if it was flying around in circles or saving people off a sinking barge?
I have several buddies in the CG, I mean them no ill nor disrespect.