After passing the theoretical and practical phases of the Basic Helicopter Course No.85, which lasted six months, 18 lieutenants including Colombians and Panamanians, became military pilots, thus culminating the stage as flight students, at the International Helicopter School for the Military Forces EIHFA. The now helicopter pilots will put their knowledge into practice, once promoted as Officers in the Colombian Air Force and in the National Aeronautical Service of Panama.
The course was made up of two cycles, one theoretical, where the students obtained knowledge in aerodynamics, meteorology, operating limits, emergencies, instrument flight and systems of the TH-67 helicopter and one practical where they flew 93 real hours, 30 simulated hours completing 82 missions, including: familiarization with the aircraft or contact, both day and night navigations and an approach to the operations area, with which they obtained the necessary skills to be autonomous at the time of takeoff, fly the aircraft, without the help of an instructor.
For Ensign Miguel Gaviria, this triumph meant in his own words “Becoming a military pilot is both an incredible and challenging experience; once you put on the overalls to board the aircraft cabin, you feel a mixture of pride and responsibility. Rigorous training accompanied by specialization, become indispensable factors to be able to fly. Being a military pilot means being able to serve my country in a unique way.”
Source: Public Communications CACOM 4
