The new multipurpose helicopter “augusta 119”, for which the Government of the RS borrowed 9,4 million BAM last year, will arrive to the RS on June 2.
“According to the contract, the delivery will be conducted in the first half of the next month. Two mechanics and a pilot will travel to the technical examination in Philadelphia. In case they establish that everything is fine, the helicopter will depart from the US to here. According to information from “Leonard”, from which we purchased a helicopter, it should be in Banja Luka on June 2. That is 15 days before the deadline,” said Kusturic.
Technical training for pilots and mechanics has been completed in Italy, and practical training will take place as soon as helicopter arrives in Banja Luka.
The multifunctional helicopter, as Kusturic stated, will have primary use in medical evacuation. The service will have the ability of performing more complex tasks with two pilots, and in the tender was mentioned the firefighting equipment, as well as equipment for special police units.
It was also stated that the loan repayment period was six years, with a three-year “grace period”. The citizens of the RS will return it at an interest rate of 2.85 %.
As noted, helicopter service is available 24/7. Besides transporting the President of the RS, Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister of the RS Zeljka Cvijanovic, and ministers in the Government of the RS, pilots performed several hundred medical evacuations as well.
(Source: fokus.ba)