CH-149 Cormorant Search and Rescue Helicopters Resume Training Flights

16 November, 2004

File Photo

CFB WINNIPEG – The Air Force is partially lifting operating restrictions on its fleet of CH-149 Cormorant helicopters that limited the aircraft to search and rescue operations and maintenance test flights only after cracks were found on the tail rotor half hubs of a CH-149 Cormorant at 9 Wing Gander, NL, on October 16.

Further investigation has revealed other tail rotor half hubs with minor cracks, and a comprehensive engineering solution is being investigated by the Air Force and the aircraft manufacturer.

CH-149 Cormorant crews across Canada will resume proficiency training flights to enable them to safely conduct essential search and rescue missions. Several mitigating measures will be implemented, including limiting rates of climb and the maximum operating airspeed, as well as limiting training flights to no more than two hours duration to facilitate more frequent maintenance inspections of the tail rotor half hub. As well, new inspection equipment is being issued to facilitate maintenance inspections.

“The safety of the men and women who fly the Cormorant is a top priority. We are operating with a risk, but, as always, we put in place sufficient mitigating measures to make the risk acceptable,” said 1 Canadian Air Division Commander Maj-Gen. Charles Bouchard. “This will allow our Cormorant crews to maintain their flight proficiency and continue to provide SAR service to Canadians.”

The Air Force will re-evaluate remaining restrictions and current flight limitations as more details from the engineering investigation become available. Force generation and utility flights are still not authorized at this time and will only resume when the Maj.Gen. Bouchard is satisfied that they can be undertaken safely.

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