Despite grounding of 'Sokol' helicopters, PAF has more than sufficient air assets

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Despite grounding of 'Sokol' helicopters, PAF has more than sufficient air assets

Despite the grounding of the seven remaining W-3 "Sokol" combat utility helicopters following the crash of one aircraft in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur Thursday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has more than sufficient air assets to use in case of emergencies.

This assurance was given by PAF spokesperson Lt.Col. Enrico Canaya Friday.

He added that there are still sufficient numbers of UH-1H "Huey" helicopters, "Huey IIs" and S-76 choppers in their operational inventory.

"There are other aircraft that can be used by the PAF. In fact, as we speak, we have two UH-1H deployed in Legazpi, they are helping (in putting out) the fire in Bacacay," Canaya pointed out.

The remaining "Sokol" helicopters are deployed at the PAF's 505th Search-and-Rescue Group.

The PAF undertook the delivery of four refurbished UH-1Hs last July.

Another 17 are expected to be delivered before the end of the year.

The PAF is estimated to be operating between 30 to 40 helicopters of various type.

The PAF was earlier directed to immediately forward a "flash report" to manufacturers concerning the crash of one of its"Sokol" combat utility helicopters last Thursday.

"PAF was directed to inform 'Sokol' manufacturer about the incident. The PAF investigation regarding the air crash is now ongoing," Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

This information was also confirmed by Defense undersecretary for modernization Fernando Manalo.

"We have directed the PAF to make a flash report to the manufacturer," he added.

And when asked whether the crashed "Sokol" was covered by a warranty, Manalo could only reply. "It is being determined."

The Philippines acquired its eight W-3A "Sokol" fromthe joint venture of Polish manufacturer PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for PHP 2.8 billion.

The helicopters arrived in batches starting February, November 2012 and February 2013.

The aircraft are assigned to the PAF's 505th Search and Rescue Group after they were found unfit for combat support duties after their side door and gun mount were found "unfit" for the military's tactics.

They are now being used to conduct rescue operations in times of calamities and transporting VIPs.

The Marawi City mishap was not the first time for the W-3A "Sokol" to encounter problems.

In July 2013, another "Sokol" helicopter (Tail No. 310925) was stuck for five days in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City after failing to take off due to an undisclosed mechanical problem.

The helicopter was supposed to act as the back-up aircraft for Gazmin's party to an PAF event in Pampanga.

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