New Engines for Coast Guard Copters Urged

[maddezmom]

By LESLIE MILLER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The number of engine malfunctions on the Coast Guard's workhorse helicopter has increased dramatically as efforts to install safer motors have fallen behind schedule, a government watchdog group said Monday.



The Dolphin helicopters, or HH-65s, are used for search and rescue, port security, enforcement of laws and treaties, drug interdiction, marine safety and environmental protection. The Coast Guard has restricted use of the 84-aircraft Dolphin fleet because of safety concerns related to the engine malfunctions.

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The demands of protecting U.S. ports, new since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, are putting a strain on the Coast Guard's aircraft, according to Coast Guard Lt. Commander Jeff Carter.


"We're working our vessels and aircraft longer and harder than we envisioned pre-9/11," Carter said.


The Coast Guard has begun retrofitting engines but completion of the overhaul will be delayed by 11 months past its July 2006 deadline because the Coast Guard and its contractor can't agree on price or timetable.

more:http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=542&ncid=693&e=6&u=/ap/20041101/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/coast_guard_helicopters

Once again * proves he cares little about keeping us or the even those charged with protecting the homeland safe.