UH-1D #8230 Back Into the Service

10 Mei 2019

PAF UH-1D #8230 (all photos : TuOPip)

As part of fulfilling the Capability Enablers of the Philippine Air Force’s Flight Plan 2028, so as to become responsive to national security and development, the UH-1D with tail number 8230 was formally turned over to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing by the 410th Maintenance Wing, led by MGEN ALLEN T PAREDES AFP, Commander, Air Logistics Command.

Together with all the maintenance personnel of the 410MW involved in the recovery of the said aircraft, led by BGEN FLORANTE M AMANO AFP, Commander, 410MW, MGEN PAREDES turned over the aircraft records of UH-1D #8230 to COL RENE RAOUL ROMMEL DC HONASAN PAF (GSC), Wing Commander, 205THW, last 22 April 2019 at Bay 4 Hangar, 410MW, Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga. The event was even highlighted by the pouring of champagne and presentation of awards to all personnel involved in the successful aircraft recovery. UH-1D #8230 is one of the 205THW’s “Super Delta” aircraft – the UH-1D variant with a T53-703 engine.

After a year and 2 months of being in the Non-Mission Capable Status (NMCS), UH-1D #8230 will soon be able to once again soar the skies to provide the necessary assistance in accomplishing the missions of the Philippine Air Force. The UH-1D #8230 experienced engine failure during take-off in Manaoag, Pangasinan, which led to a hard landing last 14 February 2018. Right there and then, it was turned-in to 410MW to undergo extensive recovery. The recovery program spent a total of 9,259 man hours in depot level maintenance.

The 410th Maintenance Wing, under the Air Logistics Command, is the unit in charge of depot-level maintenance of all PAF aircraft, while the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing is the force provider of combat utility helicopters (CUHs).

With this turn-over of a successfully recovered CUH, an increase in the operationally ready aircraft will surely translate to a more capable and credible air force ready to respond to national security and development.

(TuOPip)