- alarmed, deeply concerned about criticisms
‘What we need is a truly patriotic approach to combating crime not a partisan one’ – Commodore Gary Best
ARMY chief, Commodore Gary Best, yesterday described the two helicopters acquired for use in the fight against crime as “multi-mission” in function as opposed to their detractors, whom he labelled “acid critics”.

“We now have two helicopters capable of conducting law enforcement operations and search and rescue,” Best told reporters at Army headquarters, Camp Ayangana, Georgetown.

The Army chief said the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was alarmed and deeply concerned about the apparent consternation expressed by so-called experts over the acquisition – experts, he said, who claim to have the nation’s security interests at heart, but at the same time decry the very initiatives aimed at improving security in the nation.

&What we need is a truly patriotic approach to combating crime,” he said, adding that he did not feel that the criticism had hurt the image of the Army, and that the agency is “extremely comfortable” with the acquisition of the two Bell 206 B 3 Jet ranger helicopters.

He, however, outlined a string of additional features that will have to be installed on the helicopters were they to carry out in full the purpose for which they were intended.

The new features which have to be added include modifications to allow them to be fitted with two stretchers so as to enable them to conduct medical evacuations. Best pointed also to the installation of a Skytrax tracking system, a Terrain Alert Global Positioning System, a Nightsun apparatus (which allows for the illumination of a large area at nights), a loud hailer and siren system, and a Forward Looking Infra Red system that allows for information acquisition.

One of the helicopters will also be fitted with a cargo winch, which will allow it to execute search and rescue missions, Best said. He noted that the additional features will take about two to three months to be installed.

The acquisition of the helicopters, he said, forms part of a strategic plan by the GDF to equip its aviation unit with reconnaissance, medium lift, and troop transport capability over a phased period. He said too that the security sector requires reconnaissance and lift capability for both fixed-wing and rotary/helicopter missions.

“The acquisition of these two Bell 206 helicopters is primarily for reconnaissance missions and tactical insertions of forward reconnaissance troops. They were not purchased as medium-lift helicopters,” Best declared.

The major criticisms surrounding the purchase of the helicopters are that one of them, which was bought from Costa Rica, was manufactured in 1980, has chalked up some 10, 000 flying hours, is single-engined and therefore cannot fly at nights in accordance with Guyana’s aviation standards. There is also the criticism that the helicopters have a limited capacity to transport troops and that there was no consultation with local aviation officials in the purchase.

Best however countered these arguments saying that the airtime for the Bell 206 helicopters is unlimited, once the requisite inspections are done, and that both of the helicopters were not just recently inspected by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but were also issued with certificates of airworthiness by the said FAA.

He made the point that once an aircraft has a limitless airframe time, what assumes importance are the component timings on it and once these components are changed at stipulated timings they can give the aircraft its “newness.”

“Both helicopters have excellent component times, with an average 75 per cent life remaining on their major components,” he said, adding that the GDF’s outlook is for a maintenance free time of within two years.

Regarding night operations, Major Mike Charles, who serves within the Aviation Unit, confirmed that the flight manual of the helicopter indicates that the aircraft can fly at nights under certain conditions. Best said the GDF has over the years been engaging in night flying with the previous 206 helicopter that was in its possession.

Further clearing the air, Best said each of the helicopters has a 100-hour warranty, and was advertised on an “as is, where is,” basis, which is standard in the industry. He said however that the aircrafts were significantly upgraded at FAA-approved repair stations after inspections were conducted by GDF engineers. GDF engineers were present at most of these upgrades conducted in Costa Rica and the United States, and conducted final inspections before recommending closing the purchases.

“To assert that we have not the capacity to make decisions on helicopter acquisitions or that we should have consulted with local aviation officials is not only a misguided attempt to be mischievous, but also a poor attempt to hoodwink the Guyanese nation,” Best declared.

The Army chief posited that consultations were made with the GDF’s own experts, including its Chief Pilot and its rotor craft engineer, who is FAA-certified. Together, they have a combined experience of in excess of 45 years with 412 and 206 helicopters, Best said. Additionally, he said, consultations also took place with Mr. Lex Barker, who is a pilot and operates a Bell 206 helicopter similar to the two that have been acquired by the GDF. Barker was touted to have over 20 years experience in aviation management and sales, and holds post graduate qualifications in aeronautical science.

&What we did not do is consult with persons who had very little or no experience with operating and maintaining helicopters. The degree to which we consult with experts in the helicopter industry or the aviation industry for that matter is the business of the GDF and not the fantasy of acid critics,” Best said, voice dripping sarcasm.

Best said the GDF was contacted by an overseas company headed by a Guyanese which offered Bell and Eurocopter helicopters, but the offers were rejected based on acquisition and upgrade cost, and suitability for operations in Guyana.

The Commodore said the GDF is willing to work with all stakeholders in order to improve the security environment in the country.

&Let us work together,” he pleaded, saying the GDF is not a threat to aviation development, but rather a positive contributor to the industry in the context of its defence mandate.

&#The nation can now judge. The GDF wished to assure the nation that the two helicopters acquired have been thoroughly examined and provides an excellent platform from which we can more effectively conduct law enforcement and rebuild our aviation capability.”