PAF logged 362 flying hours in missions related to Pope Francis' visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22): PAF logged 362 flying hours in missions related to Pope Francis' visit

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) logged 362 flying hours in missions related to the security of Pope Francis during his Jan. 15-19 visit to the country,PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said on Thursday.

He added that this flying time included those of rehearsals and actual air cover related to the papal events in Metro Manila, Tacloban City Leyte.

"PAF flew a total of 362 flying hours for the rehearsals and actual air cover, transport of personnel and equipment, aeromedical evacuation and extrication of Pope (rehearsals only) in Manila and Tacloban areas," Canaya said.

Aircraft involved in these missions for Pope Francis include Sikorsky S-70A helicopters, McDonnell Douglas MG-520 attack helicopters, W-3 "Sokol' combat utility helicopters, Bell Iroquis UH-IH IIs and "Super Huey" helicopters, Lockheed C-130 "Hercules," Fokker F-27 and F-28, and GAF N-22 "Nomad" transport aircraft.

Canaya said that there were no reports of overflight violations.

The PAF and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) had declared all areas where Pope Francis was conducting activities as "no-fly zones."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=727926