Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1333129
T here is no surprise to hear Air Ambulance on radio while flying above Poland, similarly it's quite usual sight of EC-135 of Polish Medical Air Rescue in their bases or during HEMS missions. However Robinson R44 and Tecnam 2008 in the PMAR painting scheme might look a bit surprising - these are the newest additional of "Small Fleet", which are aircraft used for pilot's initial training as well as making on demand flights within Medical Air Rescue operations area. Beginnings Few years ago Polish Medical Air Rescue noticed changes in the helicopter aviation area - it was harder to find pilots with proper qualifications and ones who'd like to work in HEMS. There were many reasons for this, both in terms of military and civilian pilots - in order to grant continuous operations and ability to fly HEMS missions, a new idea and change of approach were needed. HEMS requirements in Poland are high level, there's nothing to hide here. Especially look- ing into flight hours requirement - 1000h as Pilot In Command (including at least 500h as PIC on board helicopters), what is a long, expensive and hard journey to achieve in general aviation area. "We have see many outstanding pilots with 400, 500 or even 700h as PIC, however they weren't even sending CVs to us, as they knew they were not fulfilling hours requirement. It was a natural idea to create sort of training before joining HEMS fleet and, at the same time, had the ability to verify people, get to know them better as well as introduce them to Medical Air Rescue organization" says PMAR Director. After number of meetings, ideas and consideration of multiple variants, the "Small Fleet" one won, where pilots could built up remaining flight hours and complete missing train- ings, while being prepared into HEMS pilot career and getting into requirements. "The cooperation rules were and still are simple - we give pilots flying hours and experience, and in return they sign a credit agreement for 10 years. For each year of duty in HEMS, the price is being reduced by 10% - most of the people want to fly with us till end of their career, so they don't bear any costs, however we wanted to be fair, hence such approach", adds Mirosław Tomaszewski, Head of Training. At the beginning of 2018 a new ordinance of Polish Prime Minister came into life, what officials gave a green light to proceed with this venture and start initial training organi- zation within Medical Air Rescue. The schedule was very tight - till the end of 2018, both aircraft and helicopters must have been chosen - eventually Robinson R44 and Tecnam 2008 made their way in tender. 2019 marks start of training for first students and in August 2019 first students were passed onto HEMS training and active duty. www.fragoutmag.com