BELL 212 SUH 563 GALLANTLY LOGS 10,000 FLYING HOURS
1:35pm on Wednesday 14th December 2022
The Bell 212 SUH 563 gallantly logged 10,000 flying hours on 12 December 2022. This versatile flying machine was built in January 1990 and was inducted to SLAF in year 1991 with zero flying hours and was deployed to No 4 Helicopter Squadron. Subsequently, along with nine (09) other Bell 212 helicopters, it was absorbed in to the No.401 Squadron in year 1994 the precursor of No 7 Helicopter Squadron.
Since its inspection, SUH 563 has seen action in every major military operation that took place in the war against terrorism, including the final humanitarian operation. Still, it proudly serves the nation in multiple roles such as VIP/Passenger/Cargo transportation, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistant and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations as well as advanced helicopter training.
The logging of 10000 flying hours demonstrates the untiring and unparalleled hard work of the engineering and supporting crew of the No.7 Helicopter Squadron, as well as the Aeronautical Engineering Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake towards preserving the serviceability of millions worth air assets to date. The contribution of the competent and professional flying and engineering crew of the Squadron from its inauguration were highly commended by the present Commanding Officer, Group Captain Sanoj Jayaratne in view of the achievement of this historical milestone.
Since its inspection, SUH 563 has seen action in every major military operation that took place in the war against terrorism, including the final humanitarian operation. Still, it proudly serves the nation in multiple roles such as VIP/Passenger/Cargo transportation, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Humanitarian Assistant and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations as well as advanced helicopter training.
The logging of 10000 flying hours demonstrates the untiring and unparalleled hard work of the engineering and supporting crew of the No.7 Helicopter Squadron, as well as the Aeronautical Engineering Wing at SLAF Base Katunayake towards preserving the serviceability of millions worth air assets to date. The contribution of the competent and professional flying and engineering crew of the Squadron from its inauguration were highly commended by the present Commanding Officer, Group Captain Sanoj Jayaratne in view of the achievement of this historical milestone.
This historic flight was flown by Squadron Leader Dileep Meegahakumbura and Flying Officer Neranjan Pathirana along with Leading Aircraftman Udawatte UGJUK and Leading Aircraftman Priyadarshana LRA as the two air gunners.
