AFM trained in helicopter operations from patrol boat

The Armed Forces of Malta has completed a period of training with the assistance of a Belgian Navy Mobile Training Team (MTT).

The aim was to further prepare elements of the Maritime Squadron and Air Wing for helicopter operations from AFM patrol vessel P61's flight deck.

The training follows contacts between the Belgian Armed Forces and the AFM which have, in the past, seen Air Wing technical personnel undergo on-the-job training in Belgium. These contacts have also been facilitated by the assistance of the Belgian Ambassador to Malta, Thomas Baekelandt.

A spokesman for the AFM said the value of such training is based upon the fact that not only does the Belgian Navy operate Alouette III helicopters very similar to those in AFM service, but does so from the flight deck aboard the auxiliary vessel BMS Godetia which has a deck very similar in dimensions to that of P61.

The training provided included practical flight training for two AFM helicopter instructor pilots as well as detailed assistance on the most appropriate manner in which to organise the crew of the receiving vessel in order to provide for the safety of the crews, the vessel and the aircraft during this difficult manoeuvre.

The training culminated in a practical session during which the helicopter conducted numerous dummy approaches terminating just short of actual landings. These approaches have proved that the basic crew competencies are all in place and provide the platform for further activities designed to achieve a flight-operations capability by the end of 2007, the AFM said.

This effort follows earlier training conducted on board French and German navy assets in Maltese territorial waters.

The spokesman said that the AFM will now embark on a number of local and overseas technical and training activities through the Italian Military Mission in Malta, to ensure the full compliance of both crews and equipment with the stringent standards set out for such operations.

Such capability will enable the AFM to maximise the use of existing resources, thus gaining greater effectiveness and range whilst engaged in maritime operations, the spokesman said.