Canadair captains received certificates
Pilots – captains were given certificates on completion of advanced training on Canadair CL-415 aircraft today, August 17, in the Fire-fighting squadron (PPE) of the 93rd Airbase in Zemunik Barracks.
Delivery was attended by the MOD State Secretary Mate Raboteg, Commander of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence Brigadier General Drazen Scuri and Vice President of Bombardier Company Derek Gilmour who delivered certificates to pilots.
State Secretary Raboteg said that the arrival of a Bombardier high delegation to Croatia testified the high level of partnership and friendly relations between the Defence Ministry and Bombardier, as well as Canada and Croatia. Raboteg congratulated the PPE pilots on everything they do in the protection of Croatian citizens and our guests during the fire-fighting season, as well as on confirmed high qualifications of our crews in readiness to assist in fire extinguishing in other countries.
General Scuri pointed out that the Air Force and Air Defence systematically invest in training and acquiring new knowledge and skills. “Specific training on a CL 415 plane has always been an important mission for our service because we have thanks to PPE and the use of fire-fighting planes contributed to the safety of Croatian citizens and their material goods”, General Scuri said. Bombardier Vice President Derek Gilmour, in his speech also stressed that the Croatian pilots showed their high level of training in daily operations of fire-fighting and with the high standards of accuracy, safety and efficiency. Gilmour was particularly impressed with the manoeuvres and the abilities of Croatian crew in various situations, actions and teamwork of PPE Squadron of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence.
Advanced training for captains of Canadair was conducted in accordance with the purchase agreement between the MOD and Bombardier during the acquisition of the last two Canadair CL 415, and training was conducted by Bombardier’s pilot instructor during the last year for a total period of three months. The training, which consisted of theoretical and practical advanced flight training, was successfully completed by seven captains, and the captains were licensed for the highest level of advanced flight training on Canadair CL 415 aircraft.