The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has approached government to assist with the procurement of a heavy-lift helicopter for search and rescue operations,
Director General Lt. Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field has said.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Field explained that representation had been made by a search and rescue stakeholder group, which includes GCAA personnel and other industry operators, which led to the appeal being made to government to assist with the acquisition of a heavy-lift helicopter.
The helicopter, he said, would be used during search and rescue operations in the interior.
In addition to the appeal to government, the Director General said efforts are also being made to approach Bristow Group, which provides offshore helicopter services to ExxonMobil, and the oil company itself to assist the country in the event of a plane crash in the interior regions.
It was, however, explained that Bristow, while in possession of capability for maritime rescues, does not have the necessary permits to participate in jungle rescues.
Notwithstanding, Field said he has been informed that the operators have undergone jungle training and, therefore, the GCAA will be approaching them shortly, through the subject minister, to discuss whether a Memorandum of Understanding or any other arrangements can be made to allow for their assistance with search and rescue operations.
The Director General has in the past emphasised the importance of the Bell 412 helicopter, which is usually needed to deploy personnel directly to crash sites. However, Stabroek News understands that currently one is not available in Guyana for that purpose.
As a result, domestic airlines usually have to be utilized for the transport of search and rescue teams.
“An important element of search and rescue, which is a helicopter, in the event of a crash- I don’t know why the GDF equipment was allowed to deteriorate to the point where they don’t have a serviceable helicopter for proper search and rescue, which is the Bell 412 helicopter,” Field had said.
