0:00:08 > 0:00:11I don't think there's any greater calling in life for someone.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15To be able to see a son or daughter's face
0:00:15 > 0:00:18when you bring their father or mother back
0:00:18 > 0:00:21from the edge of death... It's quite powerful.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26The RAF Search and Rescue Force save hundreds of lives every year,
0:00:26 > 0:00:31in dramatic locations around the country.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34That sense of satisfaction when the team pulls together,
0:00:34 > 0:00:36especially if it's a life-saver,
0:00:36 > 0:00:38it's second to none, it's an amazing feeling.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45After 70 years of service, RAF Search and Rescue is coming to an end.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51Soon, a private company will take over from the military.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Certain blokes have love affairs with their cars -
0:00:54 > 0:00:56I think some air crew have affairs with the Sea King.
0:00:56 > 0:01:03But before they leave our skies, we follow the life-saving work of the RAF Sea King crews,
0:01:03 > 0:01:08from mountainside to hospital bedside.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14With exclusive behind the scenes access at the base where Prince William is stationed,
0:01:14 > 0:01:19this is the story of RAF Search and Rescue.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33For the past 60 years,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Search and Rescue helicopters have been flying the skies above Britain.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42These life-saving aircraft have rescued
0:01:42 > 0:01:45thousands of people in the Welsh mountains and seas.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51On the 24th of September 1975,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55the AgustaWestland Sea King Mk 3 came into service.
0:01:55 > 0:01:5735 five years on,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01she still commands the respect of all who fly in her.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07She's an old aircraft, but she does everything that we want of her.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12She's a lovely old dear -
0:02:12 > 0:02:15She's been around a long time. You've got to be very gentle with her
0:02:15 > 0:02:17but equally she can take a lot of stick.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Wherever you put her, she will adapt and she'll deal with it.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24I have so much respect for her.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Yes, it is getting a bit old and it doesn't have long left but
0:02:27 > 0:02:29I'm sure the people who have been rescued by it over the years
0:02:29 > 0:02:34will be forever grateful for its abilities.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Snowdonia. It's familiar stomping ground for the Sea King.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47Today, a Sea King from RAF Valley responds to a call for help in the mountains.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55'This is Kinloss Rescue. Casualty is on Crib Goch, over.'
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Kinloss Rescue, this is Rescue 122. We are arriving on scene, over.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07One of Snowdonia's most dangerous mountains has claimed another victim.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Rescue 122 has been called to Crib Goch -
0:03:12 > 0:03:16a 3,000 foot high ridge leading to the summit of Snowdon.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26It's territory that's very familiar to radar operator Squadron Leader Dave Taylor.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Some of the issues with Crib Goch are a steep drop either side...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32The consequences of getting it wrong are quite severe.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37The actual environment there, the rocks and things like that,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39it's not going to be a nice area.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44People quite often take tumbles, because it's a severe slope that won't hold people.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50A ten foot fall might end up in a 30 or 40 foot tumble.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55And the injuries there can be quite severe from that.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Down low three o'clock. One of them's definitely in a red jacket.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I can see someone...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06They've spotted the casualty.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Five people are perched on the ridge,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10with a thousand foot drop below them.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15One of them has a suspected broken ankle.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18On their mobile phones, they film the Sea King arrive.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28With nowhere for the helicopter to land, this is a job for the winch.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36Radar operator Dave now needs to manoeuvre the winchman down to the casualty.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40It's a tricky operation on Crib Goch's steep slopes.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Your concern as a winch operator for the winchman is paramount -
0:04:44 > 0:04:47in terms of where you're going to place him,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and whether he can actually come off the hook at that stage.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52You're looking at a very steep area -
0:04:52 > 0:04:55you don't want to just put the winchman on a place
0:04:55 > 0:04:59he comes off the hook and then he falls himself, he becomes a casualty.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03The Sea King is uniquely designed to be almost
0:05:03 > 0:05:06stationary in the air during a rescue operation.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11Buffeted by strong winds, over 3,000 feet in the air,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15the helicopter's powerful engines make sure the aircraft hardly moves during the hover.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23From this stable platform, the crew can place the winchman
0:05:23 > 0:05:26with pinpoint accuracy on the slopes below.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Hi, guys. You all right?
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Just have a look. I'll be careful not to stand on your foot.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40David Bland from Northamptonshire is in severe pain.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46He tripped and fell on his way down from the summit of Snowdon.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51That's it. Right, up under his knee...
0:05:53 > 0:06:00Winchman Dave McDowell suspects he has a broken ankle, and tries to give him morphine.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02But it's so cold, he can't find a vein.
0:06:05 > 0:06:11He needs to get this casualty on board the helicopter quickly, to help control his pain.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15It's a precarious spot, and too dangerous to use a stretcher.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Dave McDowell straps him firmly into the harness -
0:06:20 > 0:06:22and the Sea King winches him on board.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51David Bland is on his way to Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55That's literally torn it...
0:07:01 > 0:07:05On board, the gas and air helps to ease his pain.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10It's at times like these that a radar operator's job is not just about working the winch.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13I'd call it bedside manner.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20It's reaching out to that person and making them feel comfortable,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23making them smile a little bit, perhaps,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27and try and forget the issue that they've had.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31After a ten-minute ride in the Sea King,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33David arrives at the local hospital in Bangor,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36and is transferred to the waiting medical team.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47The RAF Search and Rescue Force has six flights based around Britain.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51From the North of Scotland to the coast of Devon, each base has
0:07:51 > 0:07:54two Sea Kings on standby, ready to answer a cry for help.
0:07:57 > 0:08:03Hundreds of pilots have earned their wings flying the iconic Sea King aircraft.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07It's been a reliable helicopter in my time with it,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10and it's got me out of some hairy situations.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12It's got me into them as well, but
0:08:12 > 0:08:14it's got me out of them again so I can't complain.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18As an experienced search and rescue captain,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Flight Lieutenant Dave Prochera-Best often mentors other pilots.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Today he's on a training exercise in Snowdonia
0:08:25 > 0:08:28with Flight Lieutenant William Wales,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31who qualified as a Captain 12 months ago.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36There's a number of guys who have been extremely good in giving up their time for me
0:08:36 > 0:08:42and helped pass on experience and knowledge from more senior SAR pilots.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I've been really fortunate that I have been able to provide
0:08:45 > 0:08:48the benefit of my experience to some of the more junior captains.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51From being a co-pilot who is all over his role,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54you suddenly jump into some very big shoes where it's your call,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57life and death. Not only for the crew, but also for the casualty.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01So you do make some pretty big calls, and that dawned on me pretty quick.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04And the idea is that the training is built towards that
0:09:04 > 0:09:07so that it's not such a big leap when you finally get captaincy.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09He's come from a very strong background
0:09:09 > 0:09:11where decision-making is his forte,
0:09:11 > 0:09:16and I think compared to other junior captains, that part was never an issue for him.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20He's also blessed with a decent pair of hands for flying as well, so
0:09:20 > 0:09:22the amount of work that he puts in,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24and his background in decision making
0:09:24 > 0:09:26makes him a pretty strong captain
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and he was a good candidate all along, really.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Every year, more than a hundred casualties arrive by RAF helicopter
0:09:42 > 0:09:44to the Emergency Department at Bangor.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Dr Linda Dykes appreciates the unique challenges
0:09:51 > 0:09:54the Search and Rescue winchmen have to face.
0:09:54 > 0:09:55We don't know that...
0:09:57 > 0:09:59I think they do an incredibly difficult job,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03to see the full range of things that I have to see,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05but actually with a lot less training,
0:10:05 > 0:10:09with a lot less resources. It's an incredibly difficult job.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I just think it's awesome that people are actually willing to do it.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17On her days off, she helps to train the Search and Rescue paramedics
0:10:17 > 0:10:20at RAF Valley - on the ground, and in the air.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27I love being involved with the training of the RAF rear crew.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Because I've been involved with sea flight at Valley about seven years
0:10:30 > 0:10:32and have flown regularly throughout that time,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I've got a pretty good grasp of the challenges
0:10:34 > 0:10:37of their working environment, and if I'm then flying with them
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I can then help them if any issues come up, if any questions come up.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44'He's stopped breathing when he's given morphine.'
0:10:44 > 0:10:48If you stop breathing with morphine, that is a recognised side-effect of the drug.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52'Back of the Sea King, it's very noisy, it's very smelly.'
0:10:52 > 0:10:56It stinks of aviation fuel, it's a very difficult working environment,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58and I think that the crew like to bring casualties here
0:10:58 > 0:11:01because they know we understand the environment they work in,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05and I think sometimes in hospitals who don't routinely take Search and Rescue casualties
0:11:05 > 0:11:08they may get asked, "Why haven't you done X, Y and Z," and it's like,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12"It's impossible on the back of a helicopter, mate!" We can't do that.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16And much to the amusement of the crew,
0:11:16 > 0:11:21getting Dr Dykes airborne sometimes isn't quite as easy as it looks.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Not much of a run-up... Ooh, failed at the first hurdle!
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Although it's a great privilege to go flying and I look forward to spending time with the boys,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34I don't actually like flying very much.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35I get a bit airsick.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40I don't enjoy tight flying round mountain bowls,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43because I tend to lose my lunch.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46But it's a worthwhile sacrifice for Dr Dykes.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50One of the most satisfying things I have done
0:11:50 > 0:11:54is see a couple of winchmen through from being real baby winchmen
0:11:54 > 0:11:56just really coming off their basic first aid course
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and then coming through and qualifying as paramedics.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02You almost feel quite proud to see it's one of our winchmen that
0:12:02 > 0:12:07we've helped train, and it's very humbling, it's fantastic.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12At the Royal Marines Barracks at Chivenor,
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Sergeant Nick Jones from Swansea is on his first ever shift as a winchman.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19He's one of the Search and Rescue Force's newest recruits.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24I think for me it's the business end if you like,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26it's where you get the hands-on...
0:12:26 > 0:12:30I get the excitement if you like of going out on the wire,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34but together with that the medical side of it as well, which is something that appeals to me.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37He's spent 12 months training to be a winchman,
0:12:37 > 0:12:41and hopes to be a fully qualified paramedic in 18 months' time.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Today, on his first shift, it's not long before a call comes in.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52Road traffic accident, just a few miles away, with two badly injured casualties.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Chivenor's Rescue 169 covers South Wales
0:13:05 > 0:13:07and the coastline of North Devon and Cornwall.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Nick's first ever rescue is under way.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16You're obviously nervous and in trepidation of what's to come,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but I think it's good to get the nervousness out of the way.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Hopefully then it should run a bit smoother from there.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25There's been a serious accident on a road in Devon.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28A 69-year-old man is in a critical condition.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36Life-threatening injuries, so I think it'll just be the nearest hospital...
0:13:40 > 0:13:44A driver is trapped inside his red MG sports car.
0:13:44 > 0:13:50Two other drivers are being treated at the scene in what looks like a three-car collision.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Nick's camera gives us his view of the rescue.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03It's a severe crash.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Experienced radar operator "Beano" takes new boy Nick under his wing.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11With a more experienced winchman, the winchman would probably
0:14:11 > 0:14:13know more what to do.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15So in that instance I kind of
0:14:15 > 0:14:17went with Nick, and was able to
0:14:17 > 0:14:22'talk things through with him as events progressed.'
0:14:22 > 0:14:29Get a stretcher out, and just lift him up, onto the trolley, in the ambulance and go.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Yeah, sweet. Happy days.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35He could sort of direct me in some of the things
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I should be thinking about or some of the things I should be doing
0:14:37 > 0:14:40that I perhaps hadn't thought of at the time,
0:14:40 > 0:14:44so yeah, he was very useful for me in that scenario.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46So what we do, is we take a paramedic with us...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It just takes the pressure off us then.
0:14:49 > 0:14:54Tony Smith was only half a mile away from his home near Bideford
0:14:54 > 0:14:57when his red MG sports car was caught in the three-vehicle crash.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03By now, the fire crews have managed to cut him out of his car.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Right, OK. You want to put him straight onto the...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08We'll scoop him straight into your mat...
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- That's it. And then away we go. - Yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17The priority is to take him to the nearest trauma unit on the Sea King.
0:15:17 > 0:15:23His injuries mean that a doctor and a paramedic join Nick on board.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26They highlighted the fact that this casualty had a life-threatening condition -
0:15:26 > 0:15:29so speed was of the essence. We couldn't hang around.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35We've got one casualty. And he's in a bad way.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44What was it, two cars?
0:15:44 > 0:15:46It was basically a Range Rover and he was in an MG.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Oh, dear. So this one was in the MG? - Yeah.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52'Once we got it onto the aircraft, we had to monitor him throughout,
0:15:52 > 0:15:57'make sure that his condition wasn't deteriorating rapidly.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'He had massive chest injuries - obviously maintained his oxygen
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'and maintaining his airway, to make sure that he didn't
0:16:03 > 0:16:05'deteriorate any further than he already was.'
0:16:07 > 0:16:10With the casualty now stable, the crew hand him over
0:16:10 > 0:16:13to the waiting medical team.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17To be perfectly honest it was the ideal first job for him.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21I choose my words carefully, because it was obviously horrendous for the casualty,
0:16:21 > 0:16:26but from Nick's point of view he was able to witness a life-threatening injury
0:16:26 > 0:16:29and assist a doctor and a paramedic.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31Which, from his perspective, was ideal.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39There is always that apprehension when you first start the job,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43particularly on your first day or first couple of shifts, is to get your first job out the way.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46And I think it puts you at ease and it makes you realise
0:16:46 > 0:16:49that the training you've had is sufficient and you know what you're doing.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05The RAF Search and Rescue crews are always on standby for the next callout - whatever the weather.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10It can get a bit dull without a job.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It all depends - if the weather's good, then we can get out training.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15I think the worst days for us are the days
0:17:15 > 0:17:18when the weather's really bad, you can't go flying,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and the minutes can feel like hours sometimes.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I think everyone's being quite sensible so far.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I'd be surprised if there's anyone up in the hills, but
0:17:26 > 0:17:30there usually is somebody up in the hills regardless of the weather.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31All quiet so far.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The crew are on rolling shifts, and eat, rest and sleep on base.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Between callouts, they make the most of their quiet periods - they may not last for long.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50And there's a new face and a new radar operator on base.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Sergeant Martin Seward - or "Seaweed" - is on his latest attachment at RAF Valley.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59It's really great coming up to Valley,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02because having done just over three years at Chivenor
0:18:02 > 0:18:05it's quite nice getting to know everyone.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I still struggle with the place names quite a bit, but
0:18:08 > 0:18:10I'm sure I'll get used to them in due course.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13He's already made his mark on the rest of the crew.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Seaweed likes to talk, so we have to put up with a lot of Seaweed chat.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19I do get the mick taken out of me quite a bit, but
0:18:19 > 0:18:21I do bring it on myself a lot anyway, cos I'm usually
0:18:21 > 0:18:24one of the chief culprits of taking the mick out of everyone else,
0:18:24 > 0:18:28so I only ask for it, really.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31There's a new film out called Movie 43 or something.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Yeah, have you seen it?- Are you the little leprechaun in that(?)
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- Well, if you're saying that I resemble Gerard Butler... - Yeah, it's Gerard Butler, yeah.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42You can call me Gerard Butler if you want, that's fine.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46There's a real good crew cooperation and good banter levels,
0:18:46 > 0:18:48but equally that sort of dies off when you get to the job
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and everyone concentrates on their particular role.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55A call comes in to RAF Valley.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00Thank you. Bye. 50-year-old female, broken leg, at Fresh Water Bay.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04Today, Flight Lieutenant William Wales takes on the role of co-pilot.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08On this rescue he'll work closely with radar operator Seaweed.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13Together, they gather all the information they can before getting airborne.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17The important thing is to have a really good look at the map,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21have a look where we're going to go, what the area's like.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23So it's critical you get it right
0:19:23 > 0:19:25and it's critical that you get it accurate as well cos
0:19:25 > 0:19:29you need to get there as quick as you can, and safely.
0:19:29 > 0:19:30OK. Thank you.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34It's a broken leg, on the other side of the island...
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Only eight minutes after they received the cry for help,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Rescue 122 are in the air.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58They head to a cove on the northeastern corner of Anglesey,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00at Fresh Water Bay.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06As co-pilot, William's job is to navigate the Sea King to the location.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14You've got what looks like a mast? Aim for that, please.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18As a co-pilot you're really doing the planning,
0:20:18 > 0:20:20you're a backup set of eyes to monitor the captain.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25If he's doing something or he's in a very hazardous situation the co-pilot keeps an eye on him,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28makes sure he's not going to get him or us
0:20:28 > 0:20:31in a particular trap that we can't get out of.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34You're kind of the secretary for the captain.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39The Sea King arrives at Fresh Water Bay,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and now they look out for clues at the scene to find
0:20:42 > 0:20:44the casualty's exact location.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49She's supposedly on the right-hand edge of that cliff...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Right in the corner where the mainland meets the peninsula.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Is that an ambulance down there in the one o'clock?
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Yeah, the early grid you were given was of the ambulance.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00OK. I've visualled the ambulance.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04So she's anywhere on that thin peninsula of land, Rob. Somewhere on that cliff face there.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Just shout when you're below 19.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09We're below 19.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12They spot the casualty, on the edge of a cliff.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16Got visual now, one o'clock, that area there.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Actually the biggest person in the job who doesn't get enough credit
0:21:25 > 0:21:28in many cases is the rad op and the winch op,
0:21:28 > 0:21:30and they'll always go on about how important they are
0:21:30 > 0:21:33but they are the link between us in the front, flying the aircraft,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37and the winchman who's doing the job on the ground with the casualty.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41They have a very tricky task of always monitoring the two the whole time.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46From the side door of the helicopter, radar operator Seaweed
0:21:46 > 0:21:48guides the Sea King to position.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53When we arrive on scene, we can't just go into throwing someone out the door and winching,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56there's loads of things to think about.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Your recce, Seaweed. - OK, then. Recce of the area...
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Hazards, then - the high ground on the right-hand side, the tail will be clear.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10I don't expect too much downdrafting but you are on the downdrafting side.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11'So we'll discuss things like,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'how close we're going to get to everything,'
0:22:14 > 0:22:18if there's any turbulent air so where the wind is.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22There might be downdrafting, the air might be coming over the top of a hill and hitting us from the top.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Which might create turbulence.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28So we need to discuss that, and what we're going to do if we experience it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33The deployment area will be on the aircraft access, aft of the survivors,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38and there's a little spine of rock in our three o'clock.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41We're going to put Rob there keeping the rotor wash clear of the survivors.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45So that's where we'll deploy Rob. Winching out...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Over the side.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48With the situation under control,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Seaweed is ready to guide Rob Linfoot, the winchman,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53down to the casualty.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08It ended up being quite a long winch,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11and the reason for that is we've got to balance
0:23:11 > 0:23:14the safety of the aircraft with the safety of the survivor and the winchman.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- Happy, Rob?- Yeah.- Rob's happy. Winching in.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25'On this occasion, to keep what we call the fly away, so to keep
0:23:25 > 0:23:27'the aircraft in a position where if we do have a problem
0:23:27 > 0:23:31'we can fly away from it, we have to be a little bit higher.'
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Approaching the door...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Your switches. I'll remove the kit first.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Darlene Burton is safe on board.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48After winching up her partner Lawrence, the couple, from Canada,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51are flown to the local hospital at Bangor.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59It was such a beautiful day,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I thought I'd pick up the pace, so I went in front of him.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I just remember just putting my foot down
0:24:05 > 0:24:08and then a slide and a...just a crack!
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Darlene and Lawrence need to catch
0:24:16 > 0:24:19a flight home to Canada in six days' time.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23But a broken tibia and fibula mean that she needs surgery.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh...!
0:24:28 > 0:24:31It's going to need an operation to fix it.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33O...MG.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Rescue 122 head back to RAF Valley.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Certain things we do get quite serious, and...
0:24:46 > 0:24:49it's important to have, you know, camaraderie, and the banter,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53to ease the pressure, especially the winch man and the winch op -
0:24:53 > 0:24:55they see some pretty nasty things down the back.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- You're a hero, Will.- I am!
0:24:57 > 0:24:58A bit easier than the one we had
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- on the last shift, wasn't it? - It is, a bit!
0:25:02 > 0:25:04That's good...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16We are exposed, like many people in the emergency services
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and the NHS in hospitals,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22we're exposed to a lot of... things that aren't very pleasant.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25We have to get on with this, and we deal with it.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Victims in remote and difficult locations
0:25:30 > 0:25:33can sometimes only be reached by the Sea King.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37Recovering dead bodies is part of the job.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Dealing with death is an integral part
0:25:41 > 0:25:43of the work of the search and rescue crews.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47It's not something anyone takes any joy in doing.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Obviously, the element of satisfaction we get from our job
0:25:50 > 0:25:52is when we save life.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55However, there is also an element of satisfaction
0:25:55 > 0:25:58in that, if that was my loved one, I would far rather that person
0:25:58 > 0:26:00had the ability to have a funeral,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02or whatever the family wish, if you like.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It's not until you really come back that you then
0:26:05 > 0:26:08take that on board. Discussing it with each other
0:26:08 > 0:26:11is some people's help - other people...
0:26:11 > 0:26:13will wait until they get home,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16discuss it with their partners at home.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Erm, and some other people just quietly reflect, really.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26My first few, erm, sort of, harrowing incidents
0:26:26 > 0:26:30were difficult, but, you know, sadly, these things happen,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32and you've got to get on with it,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34and you just talk about it amongst yourselves,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36and, you know, you end up
0:26:36 > 0:26:39understanding it more and...accepting it, sadly.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43After difficult rescues, the crews
0:26:43 > 0:26:45often turn to their loved ones for support.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The annual Families Day at Valley
0:26:51 > 0:26:54is a chance for the RAF's Search and Rescue Force
0:26:54 > 0:26:57to thank the families of the crews.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's an opportunity for the people who are doing this job
0:27:02 > 0:27:04to give something back to their families,
0:27:04 > 0:27:05because there is no question
0:27:05 > 0:27:07that we ask a lot of our families,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10and...I think it's the least we can do...
0:27:12 > 0:27:15..to occasionally give something back to them, to say,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19"Thank you - why don't we come down and enjoy a day together?"
0:27:19 > 0:27:23in recognition of the unquestionable sacrifices that they make.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32But for one family, their time at RAF Valley has come to an end.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Erm, thanks, boss, thank you to you all...
0:27:35 > 0:27:38After 17 years of service, Dave Prochera-Best
0:27:38 > 0:27:41is to hang up his helmet and leave his job.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45He is emigrating to Canada, to fly search and rescue helicopters
0:27:45 > 0:27:48with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50My wife and I have always wanted to work abroad
0:27:50 > 0:27:54and see more of the world. To be offered the opportunity
0:27:54 > 0:27:55to carry on search and rescue,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58so closely aligned to what I do already...
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I mean, they even have yellow helicopters, which is a huge boon!
0:28:01 > 0:28:04..was just too much of an opportunity to miss.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06On his final shift, the crew bid farewell
0:28:06 > 0:28:09in the typical Search and Rescue tradition.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Interestingly enough, and rather amusingly,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15he forgot to ask how long some of their search jobs are,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18and we found out from the commanding officer
0:28:18 > 0:28:22that a search of about two weeks is sometimes, er, normal!
0:28:22 > 0:28:24So, he's going to enjoy that(!)
0:28:24 > 0:28:25But he'll have a great time there.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28He's been a great guy, he's very experienced.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34How are you all today?
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Back at the RAF family quarters,
0:28:37 > 0:28:40in Valley, Dave and wife Jennine prepare for their big move.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Search and rescue has been a big part of their lives,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46with its highs...and lows.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49When you hear the helicopter go in the middle of the night,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52that's a bit worrying, as such,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- but I'd rather know the truth, warts and all...- Yeah.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57..because then you can appreciate it.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00I know I'm not in that situation, but I would always
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- encourage you to tell me as much as you could.- Mmm.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07And there's one particular rescue
0:29:07 > 0:29:10that brought the couple closer together.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13We'd come off a particularly hairy rescue -
0:29:13 > 0:29:15I'd not been doing it very long,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18and as a result of saving this ice climber,
0:29:18 > 0:29:22we ended up going into cloud, in the Devil's Kitchen, in icing,
0:29:22 > 0:29:26and eventually, the helicopter iced up and fell out of the sky,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29without us able to do anything at all, really.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36As the helicopter fell from the sky,
0:29:36 > 0:29:40the Sea King sent out this dramatic mayday message...
0:29:40 > 0:29:42'Mayday, Mayday - this is Rescue 122.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday...'
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I honestly thought we were about to die.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52That was the closest I've been.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56'Heavy icing, heavy icing, uncontrolled descent...'
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Fortunately, we fell out of the cloud, and the ice cleared
0:30:00 > 0:30:03before we hit ground, and we managed to get ourselves to Bangor hospital
0:30:03 > 0:30:06and shut down. It was pretty traumatic for everyone,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and my first thought was to phone Jennine.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13It wasn't a phone call that you relish receiving.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Unpleasant.- Yeah. Absolutely, yes,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20not one you ever want to receive on a regular basis...
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- No.- ..or worse, for that matter.- No.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24But...
0:30:37 > 0:30:40The vast majority of call-outs to RAF Valley
0:30:40 > 0:30:42are to the mountains of Snowdonia.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47The local RAF Search and Rescue crew
0:30:47 > 0:30:50know these infamous mountains only too well.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Well, one of them is Devil's Kitchen - the name itself
0:30:53 > 0:30:56is not a particularly nice thought, but it's, erm,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59it's a bowl, it's a very, very steep bowl,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02erm, towards Tryfan. Flying round it can get very interesting.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04You get bumped around a hell of a lot.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07If you're in hover, it can get very interesting.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Snowdonia is quite a tight area.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17There's a couple of particular areas - Crib Goch, er, Tryfan...
0:31:17 > 0:31:20They're quite dangerous areas, in fact.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22But these challenging conditions
0:31:22 > 0:31:26don't stop 10 million people from visiting Snowdonia every year.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30The Snowdonia mountains are incredibly accessible,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33but they're not entirely risk-free. They're next to main roads,
0:31:33 > 0:31:36you can park by the side of the A5 and you're onto the base of Tryfan.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Obviously, Snowdonia - big car parks, park up in Llanberis,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43to go up the Llanberis track, Pen-Y-Pass...
0:31:43 > 0:31:46People can get ill or injured just about anywhere - it's quite
0:31:46 > 0:31:49spectacular, where people can actually hurt themselves.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Today, Snowdonia claims its latest victim.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55PHONE RINGS 'Hello, police - can I help you?'
0:32:02 > 0:32:04'Where are you?'
0:32:08 > 0:32:12A 999 call comes through to the police from a remote Welsh
0:32:12 > 0:32:13mountain in southern Snowdonia.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18'Is there anyone with you, sir, or are you alone?
0:32:18 > 0:32:22'OK. Sit tight, don't move, don't try and put any weight on your leg. We'll get somebody to you.'
0:32:22 > 0:32:27The police now contact the RAF's rescue coordination centre
0:32:27 > 0:32:30up in the North of Scotland to request their help.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31Kinloss Rescue.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Right, slipped, with an injured leg.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38'Yes. He's on Foel Wen.'
0:32:38 > 0:32:42The nearest asset is going to be Rescue 122.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45It's a job for the Search and Rescue crew at RAF Valley.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Information I've got, he's got plenty of water, warm clothing.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Not much battery life on his mobile.
0:32:51 > 0:32:52Have we got any idea on his injuries?
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- 'All we've got is slipped, with injured leg.'- Injured leg.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58OK? Cheers, bye.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02The chap has slipped and hurt his leg down near Bala.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Rescue 122 are airborne.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Over his radio,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12radar operator Dave Taylor gets an update on the casualty.
0:33:12 > 0:33:18Your casualty is a 60-year-old male with leg injury.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22'We are unsure of his exact location, over.'
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Only 20 minutes after the 999 call was made,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28the crew are scrambled and are on their way.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32500 miles north from Valley
0:33:32 > 0:33:36is the RAF's Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre at Kinloss.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Every year, they receive hundreds of calls from the emergency
0:33:40 > 0:33:42services across the UK.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Just had a report of a person...
0:33:44 > 0:33:46'This is Kinloss Rescue.'
0:33:46 > 0:33:49'We've got a 21-year-old male...'
0:33:49 > 0:33:51'The patient has got a crack in his lower back.'
0:33:51 > 0:33:57'We have one vehicle with an adult, a minor and a baby on board.'
0:33:57 > 0:33:59'Open fracture, with a high pain score.'
0:33:59 > 0:34:03Kinloss Rescue is the central hub that deploys RAF, Coastguard
0:34:03 > 0:34:06and Royal Navy helicopters to answer the cries for help.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11Every organisation needs a central hub and, if you like, we are the heart of what goes on,
0:34:11 > 0:34:13but we're not the pit face.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16There are people out there risking their lives in a way that we're not.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19We just risk sweat and grey hairs.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23It's a military service,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26but over 97% of calls to Kinloss are to help civilians.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29A vast number of those callouts come from Wales.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31One hour, 15.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34'The two busiest RAF units are Chivenor and Valley.'
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Typically each year, you could expect up to 300 rescues,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40around about that figure, from each.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43I think this year Valley is very slightly ahead.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Requests for helicopter assistance
0:34:45 > 0:34:49mainly come from the police and Coastguard.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53The team here at Kinloss have to decide which Sea King crew is tasked to each rescue.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Hello, Rescue 122, Kinloss Rescue, over.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01'Rescue 122, go ahead, over.'
0:35:01 > 0:35:07Rescue 122, Kinloss Rescue. Those details pertain to the Bala job.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12Today, Kinloss have scrambled Rescue 122 from RAF Valley to a man
0:35:12 > 0:35:14injured on a mountain near Bala.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The team are trying to pinpoint the casualty's exact location
0:35:19 > 0:35:23when another call comes in, and it's also from North Wales.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28Just start a new job. We've already got one going on with you.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Right. What's the nature of the incident, please?
0:35:30 > 0:35:35'OK, I'll read it to you. A caller and his wife are stuck on a ledge south of Tryfan,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37'200 feet above Heather Terrace.'
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Cragfast.- 'Yeah.'
0:35:39 > 0:35:41Two climbers are stuck on a ledge
0:35:41 > 0:35:44up the mountain of Tryfan in the Ogwen Valley.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Rescue 122 is the closest helicopter,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51but they're already on their way to an injured walker near Bala.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Thank you, cheers, bye. How safe are these cragfast guys?
0:35:54 > 0:35:56They've got good battery life on their phone.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58This guy, we're not sure where he is,
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- so there's a search involved on this bloke.- OK.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05If they can just get in, snatch, and go, then that's one thing,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08but we can't hang about cos we need to search for the other one.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12There are two cries for help, but only one helicopter.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16It's now up to Kinloss to decide where to send Rescue 122.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- We'll continue with the other job at the moment.- We're going to continue with the other job.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25Radio officer Graham Topping informs the crew of the decision.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Rescue 122, Kinloss Rescue.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32Continue to original incident of male with injured leg, over.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39I've got two guys on a ledge in this position here.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42However, they are in a safe position, they've been in contact,
0:36:42 > 0:36:47and we've got Mountain Rescue troops on the way.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Against that, I've got a 60-year-old here who's injured.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52We're not exactly sure where he is,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55so I am prioritising that job at the present time.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01The local Mountain Rescue Team will now take care of the cragfast climbers on Tryfan.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05Rescue 122 continue the search for the injured walker near Bala.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Go to the grid, see what's there and then go find him.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13From the details given in the 999 call,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Kinloss Rescue can work out a map grid reference
0:37:15 > 0:37:18to the casualty's exact location.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23There are quite a few people up here for this guy to be in
0:37:23 > 0:37:25a benign condition and no-one else has seen him.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27They can't find him.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31From Kinloss, Graham tries to guide the crew to the scene.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35122 Kinloss, the casualty can see the helo over Cadair
0:37:35 > 0:37:41from where he is. He is on the ridge of Craig Berwyn
0:37:44 > 0:37:48It's very difficult to spot the casualty in a terrain like this,
0:37:48 > 0:37:53but the Sea King can search large areas in a relatively short time.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57Suddenly Radar Operator Dave Taylor sees someone in the distance.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01Gents, I've got someone signalling, 11 o'clock.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Far distance, waving something white.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07That is a long way away but it looks like he's signalling to me.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Or something's flashing that's worth having a look at.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12OK, yeah.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Yeah, looks like an emergency blanket.
0:38:16 > 0:38:17I think that's our man.
0:38:17 > 0:38:23Waving a silver-lined blanket, at last the casualty's been found.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Rescue 122 Kinloss Rescue.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- 'We believe we've found our casualty.'- Roger, stand by.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Winchman Dave McDowell heads straight to the casualty
0:38:38 > 0:38:40to assess his injuries.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- All right? - I think it's going to break on me.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Are you in any pain anywhere else at all?
0:38:56 > 0:38:57No.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00SPEECH OBSCURED BY HELICOPTER WHIRRING
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Alan White called 999 after he slipped and fell awkwardly.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06He looks to have injured his knee quite badly.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13I'll put you in a stretcher and I'll take you to Glan Clwyd Hospital for an X-ray.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17For Alan the next stop on his afternoon hike
0:39:17 > 0:39:20is Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Kinloss Rescue, Kinloss Rescue, this is Rescue 122, over.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27'Rescue 122, Kinloss Rescue.'
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Kinloss Rescue, Rescue 122, we are inbound now to Rhyl Hospital
0:39:30 > 0:39:34with an ETA of just over five minutes.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36'Kinloss Rescue, roger, out.'
0:39:39 > 0:39:42It's been another busy day for Kinloss.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45It's the best job in the world, it is, without a doubt.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Because everyday somebody is in difficulty and needs our help
0:39:48 > 0:39:50and we provide it.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53And you go home with such a feeling of well-being at the end of the day.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56'Kinloss rescue, roger, out.'
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Safe in Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl,
0:40:05 > 0:40:10walker Alan White won't be scrambling in the Berwyn hills for a while yet.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12I've ruptured the...
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I think they're called quadriceps tendons.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18I can't put any weight on the leg for 12 weeks,
0:40:18 > 0:40:20probably won't be able to drive for 16 weeks.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Alone and in agony on a Welsh hillside,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Alan's signalling paid off.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26I just had a big silver survival bag
0:40:26 > 0:40:29which I was waving about to try and attract their attention.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30They came with a big yellow bird.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Seen them practising and training, but I never thought I would
0:40:33 > 0:40:36ever have to use one, but they were there and they did an excellent job.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40The beauty of the Welsh landscape attracts millions of visitors
0:40:40 > 0:40:43to its mountains and coast every year.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44And for the few that need help,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48the yellow Sea Kings are always on stand-by.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54After being winched to safety from the infamous Crib Goch ridge,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56X-rays later showed that David Bland had broken both
0:40:56 > 0:41:00the tibia and fibula in his leg.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07He was discharged from Bangor Hospital three days later after surgery.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12Two days after breaking her leg on the Anglesey coast,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Darlene Burton left hospital -
0:41:14 > 0:41:17and managed to catch her flight home to Canada.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Three months after his car crash, Tony Smith knows that
0:41:23 > 0:41:27he owes his life to the emergency services and Chivenor's Rescue 169.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Well, I don't think I was expected to live initially
0:41:31 > 0:41:33But I think I have been extraordinarily lucky.
0:41:33 > 0:41:39I'm proposing to go over to Chivenor and put some money behind the bar
0:41:39 > 0:41:41so they can have a drink on me.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46The Sea King has proved it really is the ultimate Search and Rescue machine.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51It has its quirks, it breaks fairly often,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54it needs a lot of engineering,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57but it kind of makes you fall in love with it more
0:41:57 > 0:41:59because it's got character, so, yeah,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03it's a fantastic aircraft to work on. I love it, absolutely love it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05After 30 years of service,
0:42:05 > 0:42:09it's now time for the AgustaWestland Sea King to retire.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15In 2016, the Sea King will be replaced by a more modern helicopter,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17under plans for a new Search and Rescue service
0:42:17 > 0:42:20which won't involve the RAF.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25It's the end of an era for the iconic yellow helicopter.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29It's not flashy, it's not the sports car of the helicopter world.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32You know, it's kind of the broken down old minivan
0:42:32 > 0:42:35but it's got all the tools you need in it and it's always there
0:42:35 > 0:42:37when you require it.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42She's very old now, she's been around a very long time,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45She's been a fantastic servant to everyone.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48There won't be any more yellow Sea Kings flying around which,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52for me personally, emotively it's very sad to see her go,
0:42:52 > 0:42:56and it just focuses the mind a bit when you think you may never see that yellow Sea King again
0:42:58 > 0:43:02It's been going on for quite a number of years, decades in fact,
0:43:02 > 0:43:04and people are very fond of it.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08Yes, and I'm sure they are going to be sad to see her go
0:43:08 > 0:43:10and to no longer operate on it.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13The thing that makes it most capable though,
0:43:13 > 0:43:15is the aircrew and engineers that fly it.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd