The chopper at Fort Magsaysay. Contributed photo
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City — A Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO 150 multi-purpose helicopter was welcomed here Friday by the officers and enlisted personnel of the PA Aviation (Hiraya) Regiment headed by Col. Andre Santos.
The BO 105, a light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter being used for trainings landed at about 10:31 a.m. at Fort Magsaysay Aerodome here from the Department of Transportation hangar, Coast Guard Aviation Force in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
It was piloted by Army Aviator Major Irben G. Rimando and Commander Dino B. Garcia, deputy commander of Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Force, officials said.
Santos said the aircraft, donated by businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, was formally turned-over to the Philippine Army last Jan. 11, 2021 at General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“This aircraft will be utilized to develop the skills of Army aviators,” Santos said in a statement.
According to the regiment’s information office, the chopper will be utilized to support Army Aviation Regiment’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts and to be used for air ambulance capability, reconnaissance operation, as well as maritime patrols.
