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Immediate report of Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expedition 1988-89: VUWAE 33

Field Transport

Field Transport

This event was largely self sufficient except for helicopter support. As indicated above, and listed in the Event Diary to follow, considerable frustrations and delays were experienced as a result of helicopter operations, particularly at the start of the 1988-89 season. When helos were flying, and actually arrived, they usually carried out all the tasks required although one could not say that they were efficient. The problems we experienced were not a result of Scott Base planning which was always efficient and in fact ensured a much higher level of support than we anticipated. Replacement of the PC and various other items from Scott Base was such that minimal delays were experienced and the project in no way suffered from poor planning.

I don't believe that helo operations last season were any better or worse than in the past. I do, however, strongly believe that New Zealand operators (civilian or military) are considerably more efficient, and indeed better, than VXE6. The sooner the New Zealand Antarctic programme is supported by New Zealand operators the better.

With increasing concerns over costs of science in the Antarctic we must look at improving the efficiency of the operations and I believe the simplest way of achieving this is by having our own helo support even given the added costs.