A team from Texas-based Volo Mission have recently collaborated with the Cyprus Police Air Unit (CPAU) to provide re-current and initial aerial firefighting training for their pilots and aircrews.
Based at Larnaca Airport, CPAU operates a fleet of Bell 412s and Leonardo AW139s, engaging in diverse missions such as aerial firefighting, search and rescue, as well as its usual law enforcement activities. For firefighting, the AW139s utilise 100’ long lines with Bambi Buckets, while the Bell 412s employ belly hooking with the Water Hog bucket system.
A total of eight pilots and nine crew members participated in extensive ground classes, field briefings, and flight training. The comprehensive training covered various aspects of aerial firefighting, encompassing safety practices and emergency procedures through to dip-site recognition, drop techniques, decision-making, and focus, to name a few of the topics covered. Additionally, two senior instructors underwent a train-the-trainer course and will continue to actively work with the team to sustain and elevate the unit’s skill level, preparing them for fire missions this summer.
Photos Volo Mission
