Local industry grounded by DCA while SA Chopper operates illegal on our soil.
A question mark the size of then French owned Chamarel hangs over the Namibian air controlling body DCA - Directorate
of Civil Aviation for not allowing local Helicopter operator Expedite Aviation based in Tsumeb to use their Super Huey in the
salvage operation. But a South African operator flew all the way from that country in Namibian airspace to take part in the
operation. Lotteringnews learnt in good faith the SA operators using a Alouette 3 helicopter without any certificates to operate
in Namibia. Even after this information was revealed DCA did not act.
According to the local weekly "Informante" the owner of the helicopter, Jimmy Cambell, claimed the DCA allowed the craft to fly to the scene
as they were concerned the boat might break apart and result in a massive fuel spill.
Lotteringnews is of the opinion what is the SA operator's concern, as Namibia has the capacity to do the same task, employing
local people and keeping the money in the country.
As I am not an aviation expert my common knowledge says to me the Tsumeb based super Huey has the capability
of lifting/transporting almost 2 tones against the alouette's around 500 kg. Namibia has capable helicopter pilots when it comes to slinging. which I experienced and saw with my own eyes during the salvage operation when a Cessna went down in the pans of the Etosha national park.
What is behind the DCA's decision to allow a SA operator while local operators are grounded?
 |
| The Chamarel that caught fire beginning last month north of Hentiesbay The ship shortly after a fire broke out onboard ran ashore. No one was injured as rescue teams soon after a distress call was received rushed to the scene. Picture: The Namibian Sun |
 |
| illustration of the alouette 3 |
 |
| Super Huey in action during Cessna slinging operation Picture; lotteringnews |
No comments:
Post a Comment