Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1467328
TOPR has been operating the Sokół helicopters since 1992. Currently operated serial no. SP-SXW has replaced the SP-SXZ damaged due to an emergency landing in the Murzasichle area back in 2003. The latter aircraft, meanwhile, was procured following a tragic accident involving the TOPR helicopter in the Olczyska valley, when two pilots and two rescuers died. A general overhaul of the helicopter has been planned for 2021, with funds, in the amount of PLN 20 million, provided by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. The TOPR service is financed by the Ministry of Interior and Administration and sponsors. Tatra National Park tickets also provide an extra contribution to the budget. The overhaul at the hangar in Zakopane has been planned to last for around 3 months, with the helicopter expected to be taken off duty in early October. Its place on the helipad was taken over by a helicopter operated by the „Aviation Section" of the Police, subordinated to the Voivodeship Police HQ in Cracow. SP-34XP W-3A Sokół mentioned here has been manufactured in 1992. Previously it was operated by the Border Guard, and by the 103rd Aviation Regiment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In 2015 the helicopter was transferred to Police of Krakow City, where it replaced the PZL-Kania helicopters (based on Mi-2), whose lifecycles have not been extended. Experienced Police pilots from the Cracow „Aviation Section", and the Police Aviation Department of the Chief Staff of Police of the National Police Headquarters were appointed to take on the duty. In July 2021 the Warsaw-based crews were supporting the TOPR service flying the S-70i, due to the replacement of the engines on the white-red W-3 platform. TOPR and its personnel were responsible for the purely rescue-focused activities. Nonetheless, thanks to www.fragoutmag.com