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‘Spares shortages’ disable Navy helicopters

Dr Wayne Mapp MP
National Party Defence Spokesman

7 September 2007

‘Spares shortages’ disable Navy helicopters

The Navy’s Seasprite helicopters are being under-utilised because of ‘spares shortages’, says National’s Defence spokesman, Dr Wayne Mapp.

“These $326 million excl GST aircraft which have been in service for six years were touted by then Defence Minister Mark Burton, as being ‘a significant addition to our defence capability’.

“But in answers to parliamentary written questions, Defence Minister Phil Goff has admitted that only four of the five Seasprite are being flown regularly.

“One has been inoperable – having clocked up zero flying hours - for more than two years because there are problems in obtaining spare parts to repair it following a hard landing.

“The Government must explain why repairs are taking so long.

“There have been continuing problems with defence procurement under the Labour Government, including the $200 million blowout in the NH90 helicopter contract, and $700 million spent on LAVIII vehicles for the army – which spend most of their time sitting in garages.

“The Navy said in May 2006, after the Australian Navy encountered problems with its Seasprites, that all five aircraft were operating ‘as normal’.

“I can only assume that is the Labour Government’s definition of normal.”

ENDS


QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

(Notice given 16 August 2007; reply due 24 August 2007)

14382 Dr WAYNE MAPP to the Minister of Defence: Are all five of the Seasprite helicopters fully operational?

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ANSWER

Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Defence) replied: Four aircraft are being flown regularly. The fifth aircraft is non-serviceable because of spares shortages. It is due to fly again this month.


QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

(Notice given 16 August 2007; reply due 24 August 2007)

14385 Dr WAYNE MAPP to the Minister of Defence: What are the flying hours for each of the Seasprite helicopters over the last 24 months, provided on a monthly basis?

ANSWER

Hon PHIL GOFF (Minister of Defence) replied:
Aircraft / 3601 / 3602 / 3603 / 3604 / 3605
Flying hours in:
Jul 05 / 18 / 29 / 0 / 50 / 0
Aug 05 / 33 / 10 / 0 / 38 / 0
Sep 05 / 52 / 34 / 0 / 6 / 0
Oct 05 / 0 / 21 / 0 / 24 / 0
Nov 05 / 8 / 46 / 0 / 62 / 0
Dec 05 / 6 / 20 / 0 / 44 / 0
Jan 06 / 24 / 0 / 13 / 29 / 0
Feb 06 / 27 / 22 / 39 / 12 / 0
Mar 06 / 29 / 41 / 39 / 2 / 0
Apr 06 / 25 / 32 / 26 / 13 / 0
May 06 / 8 / 22 / 11 / 44 / 0
Jun 06 / 15 / 7 / 29 / 72 / 0
Jul 06 / 39 / 16 / 18 / 23 / 0
Aug 06 / 79 / 18 / 1 / 13 / 0
Sep 06 / 72 / 43 / 0 / 54 / 0
Oct 06 / 10 / 24 / 19 / 48 / 0
Nov 06 / 1 / 28 / 18 / 57 / 0
Dec 06 / 8 / 40 / 40 / 18 / 0
Jan 07 / 25 / 26 / 12 / 2 / 0
Feb 07 / 29 / 25 / 32 / 5 / 0
Mar 07 / 20.8 / 5.6 / 29 / 70.6 / 0
Apr 07 / 55.2 / 3.4 / 16.6 / 32.1 / 0
May 07 / 11 / 43.9 / 6.8 / 11.2 / 0
Jun 07 / 19.2 / 46.9 / 1.9 / 41.7 / 0
Jul 07 / 22 / 23.6 / 5.7 / 21 / 0

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