Post by Calum on Jul 1, 2006 0:14:36 GMT 12
skyhawkdon said:
When I was on my AvMech's course at Wigram way back in 1984 I remember we were all out on a Base parade and the Chief of Air Staff got up and announced that the Sioux was to be replaced within the next 12 months... well its now 22 years later and guess what! ;DI heard that the ex Singapore Squirrels weren't in very good condition (corrosion) and had other maintenance issues (poor documentation/maintenance records).
Heard same thing about the Sing AS350's. unfortunately when they reitered them they just parked them and didn't do any preservation. Hence the corrosion deteriorated quickly.
The RAN may have been interested in these but the issues above ruled them out. The Guy who bought them (thinking he could make a quick buck) is going to be well out of pocket as Eurocopter won't certify these for use as a civilan a/c ( they are AS550's not AS350, the first 5 means military).
Pity they are nice a/c if you sort the corrosion out.
