Sea Kings get an "operational pause"

(PS. the spelling mistake isn't mine, it was in the original photo spoof!)

I guess "paused" sounds better than grounded.

Just as a reminder, the first new Cyclone is not scheduled for delivery until December 2008/January 2009.

Also, to give some perspective to all the stories about procurement flying around, this replacement program began in 1999 with the contract finally being awarded in 2004. After the first is delivered, the CF will receive one helicopter per month until all have been delivered - another 27 months. From conception to delivery - 12 years.

Flying operations paused for CH-124 Sea King

NR – 07.001 - February 3, 2007

SHEARWATER, N.S. – Essential life saving missions will continue while the fleet of CH-124 Sea King aircraft are undergoing a temporary operational pause.

“A recently released study from the original equipment manufacturer has indicated that the life-cycle of certain major components should be revised based on how the Sea King has been flown during its operational life,” said Major General Charlie Bouchard, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. “This operational pause is a prudent precaution while we conduct a further engineering assessment of these components.”

The affected components are in the main rotor head of the aircraft and the revised life-cycle recommendations are significantly lower than those used previously by the Air Force.

“The Air Force is called upon to conduct hazardous operations on a regular basis, but it will only do that with safe, properly maintained aircraft,” said Colonel Alan Blair, Commander of 12 Wing in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. “The Sea King is no exception and the current situation and our reaction to it, is an example of our concern for the safety and security of our aircrew, and for the safe conduct of the tasks that they are called upon to perform.”

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For further information, please contact the DND/CF Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353/54.

Update: From the Ottawa Citizen (subscription only)
The move was put into effect Thursday and lasted until yesterday afternoon. The military said the Sea Kings were not grounded, as only non-essential flights and training missions were cancelled during that time.