Air recovery has gotten so bad in the Pacific Northwet that they are thinking of charging the people being rescued for all costs.
Mostly because some people take risks that others with more common sense would not do.
Oh gee, I think I'll go climb Mt Rainier today.........with little to no gear!
Or go skiing in the back country or closed off areas and get lost!
Pilots and rescuers put their lives in danger when getting these people out of tough spots and some should pay $ for their bad decisions.
These examples of rescues are not necessarily people that made bad choices, but it gives you a idea of how dangerous the job is.
These are hero's imho.
http://www.traditionalmountaineering...RangerDies.htm
http://www.pmru.org/pressroom/headli...ier062502.html
http://community.seattletimes.nwsour...slug=copter26m
And this rescue on My Hood a few years back. Go to the 2min mark.