CHANNEL Islands Air Search has recorded its busiest ever autumn season, according to the voluntary organisation.
CIAS responded to a record 12 calls between 1 September and 27 October, in comparison to one call during the same period in 2023 – a “significant increase”, its statement said.
Just last weekend, the volunteer organisation helped in the night-time search for a missing person in the Grosnez area who was eventually found.
The organisation’s activity in 2024 so far equates to around 25 hours of airborne searching time, with the crew contributing over 200 volunteer hours.
This is in addition to the ground and flight training required to maintain currency and hours of administration time.
In an average year, CIAS expects between 30 and 40 calls for service, with most of these being a “life in danger situation”, the organisation said.
Of these, about 60% will result in searches being flown while the remainder are “calls to readiness”.
John Fitzgerald, CIAS accountable manager, said: “An increase in the utilisation of CIAS by the Channel Islands and French authorities is a testament to the skills of the crew and the sophistication of the kit on board the aircraft.
“We’re now a key search and rescue asset for the wider community, responding to 26 call-outs this year alone when lives were at risk.”
The organisation is currently on the look-out for a new mechanic and those who are interested or wish to learn more about the role should contact ops@airsearch1.com.
The CIAS is a voluntary service providing a rapid-response airborne search and rescue service in Channel Islands waters and does not make a charge for performing searches or responding to calls for standby.
Its annual running costs vary each year but are budgeted at £300,000.
Many of its aircrew members are active corporate and commercial pilots who volunteer their time.
