National Security Minister John Sandy stated on Sunday that contrary to erroneous reports in the Sunday Express, two Augusta Westland helicopters are not grounded.
Sandy said all the requisite approvals and certification have been acquired and the Air Guard technicians worked alongside Augusta Westland, as per the contract.
In addition, he said all flight manuals and aircraft specific maintenance manuals have been approved by the TTCAA and are being used by the Air Guard at present.
"There has been no negligence on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago since all the necessary certificates have been achieved," said Sandy.
Sandy also corrected the Express on its claim that the aircraft is unable to fly long distances without refuelling. He said the AQ 139 is capable of flying over 500 miles without the need for additional fuel.
He said both aircraft are in full flight, noting that they did a fly past on Independence Day for all to see. He also said the last flight recorded was on November 4.
Sandy spoke about the matter at Piarco airport at a media briefing following the arrival of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar from London, her last stopover on her way home from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia.
Sandy accused the newspaper mischief in printing a story with nine errors.
The government of Trinidad and Tobago has so far taken delivery of two of four AW 139 aircraft that were ordered by the previous government.
Sandy and Persad-Bissessar commissioned the two aircraft five months ago. The Express said its "reliable sources" pointed out that the helicopters were grounded and "the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) was scrambling to put all requirements in place for the helicopters."
However Sandy said that is not so. He stated that all requirements had been met and the helicopters are flying with clearance by the TTCAA.
The Minister also denied a claim in the Express story that there was a lack of proper facilities to store the aircraft, constituting a breach of contract with Augusta Westland.
However Sandy said that is not so. He stated that all requirements had been met and the helicopters are flying with clearance by the TTCAA.
The Minister also denied a claim in the Express story that there was a lack of proper facilities to store the aircraft, constituting a breach of contract with Augusta Westland.
Sandy noted that was another error on the part of the paper. He said there is no requirement for the aircraft hangar to be air-conditioned, as the report stated. He said there is no such requirement.
Sandy said all the requisite approvals and certification have been acquired and the Air Guard technicians worked alongside Augusta Westland, as per the contract.
In addition, he said all flight manuals and aircraft specific maintenance manuals have been approved by the TTCAA and are being used by the Air Guard at present.
"There has been no negligence on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago since all the necessary certificates have been achieved," said Sandy.
He explained as well that the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard has trained a required number of pilots, technicians and crew who are now equipped to operate and fly the helicopters.
Sandy also corrected the Express on its claim that the aircraft is unable to fly long distances without refuelling. He said the AQ 139 is capable of flying over 500 miles without the need for additional fuel.
The minister also pointed out that the Express was wrong again when it quoted Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Captain Al Alexander was quoted as saying work was proceeding at a feverish pace to get things in place. Sandy said Alexander had denied saying this.
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