adminObey Musiwa-Herald Reporter
More pilots for the National Air Ambulance Service are now being trained by Helidrive-Zim, with four pilots already trained and four more undergoing training since November last year.
The initiative is meant to ensure that there are enough Zimbabwean pilots to fly the service.
Training for air ambulance pilots is currently being conducted in Harare, requiring pilots to already hold a valid Zimbabwean commercial pilot licence.
The training is focused on operating air ambulances specifically, and is fully funded by the Government, including training for medical personnel like doctors and nurses to staff the air ambulance service.
Alongside pilot training, Helidrive-Zim is also training doctors and nurses to work on the air ambulance.
The air ambulance service aims to cover the entire territory of Zimbabwe, providing emergency medical services to those in need.
Speaking to the media during a pilot training session held in Harare, Mr Vadim Vagapov, chief pilot of Helidrive-Zim said the training is for licenced pilots.
“This is our second group of local pilots we are training now. In first class we trained four Zimbabwean pilots. And as you see, now we’re training other four local pilots.
“This training course was designed to help transition commercial pilots from other types of helicopters to Russian made ANSAT helicopters.
“The theory part of the training will be finished at the end of February.
“The practical part, when pilots will fly Ansat helicopters, will be done by individual schedule,” he said.
Mr Vadim Vagapov said the trained pilots would be employed and will have the opportunity to work in Zimbabwe, gaining popularity and pride from the local community.
“As you already know, our program subsidised by the Government and patients do not pay a single penny to fly with us,” he added.
Togarepi Mpangi a local pilot who is attending the training hailed the comprehensive ambulance service training.
“I am a pilot of helicopters for another national department, but I chose to come here to study both theoretically and practically about ambulance services.
“Today, we have already gained valuable insights into health and safety protocols, and I must say, the training has been truly enriching.”
Another pilot under conversion, Scott Ferreira, said the seasoned instructors’ guidance boasts extensive flying experience.
“Our instructors all have a lot of hours on teaching types and various other machines.
“They are very well equipped to teach us and the lessons have been very in-depth and informative on the type and our operations in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Online Reporter