FLYING CONTROVERSY: The police R44 helicopter used in the United States. Police sources claim Gold Coast officers consider the make dangerous and will refuse to fly.
Source: Supplied
THE helicopter preferred by the Gold Coast mayor for a six-month police trial has been branded a death trap by officers, who will refuse to fly in it.
A police source has told AAP no officers are willing to crew the petrol-engined R44 which Mayor Ron Clarke favours, because it is much cheaper to run.
"It's known in the industry as the Widowmaker, and no police on the Gold Coast would be willing to fly in one for the kind of work it would have to do," the source said.
"While it may cost half as much to run as a gas turbine chopper such as a Squirrel, if the engine in an R44 fails the machine will fall like a rock.
"It is simply not suited to the kind of work needed in police operations, like sustained hovering."
Mr Clarke said his preference was based solely on costs.
He denied rumours he had personal links with a company that could tender for a R44 contract.
"Even if I did I would disqualify myself completely from any decision-making process," he told AAP.
Mr Clarke said the trial, for which council has budgeted $500,000, was not in danger of being scrapped and would go ahead, with tenders to be called this weekend.
But he's still hedging his bets.
"No the trial's not in jeopardy," he said.
"Well the trial is in jeopardy if we can't get the right tender process."
Conditions of the tender include a flying time of 520 hours over the six months, based on an average of 20 hours flying time a week.
The actual flying time will vary day by day, and will depend on the needs and demands of police, and the helicopter and pilot will be on standby seven days a week.
"If it's less than 20 hours in the air each week, and under 40 hours on standby, then I don't think it's value for money for the council.
"Everyone's keen, the police union as well, they're all keen on getting a helicopter up there."
Police Union president Ian Leavers said it would be a great shame if the trial was eventually scrapped, but safety could not be compromised.
"It is a great opportunity, however I understand and respect the Queensland Police Service need to have minimum safety requirements for a helicopter as well," he said.
"It would be a shame if the trial were not to proceed due to bureaucratic wrangling between the Gold Coast City Council and the state government on the selection of a helicopter that is safe for use by police."
The tender will be advertised on Saturday and the mayor said he would like to see the chopper in the air by November 1.
Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au
No comments:
Post a Comment