New PAF helicopter having technical problems

MANILA, Philippines - A brand new Sokol helicopter acquired recently by the Air Force has experienced technical problems and has been stuck in Camp Aguinaldo since Monday.

The helicopter with tail number 310925 was supposed to bring the delegation of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista to the 66th anniversary rites of the Air Force in Clark, Pampanga.

The aircraft, however, had to make a precautionary landing after it experienced a technical glitch.

The helicopter has since been parked at the helipad beside the Armed Forces Grandstand.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the problem stemmed from a weak battery but claimed that it was just “a minor discrepancy.”

“In this case the battery has gone weak. There are some electrical discrepancies but it is not a showstopper,” Okol said. “There’s really no cause for alarm why the Sokol is still there.”

Okol added that the aircraft is still under warranty and they are just exercising caution in its maintenance.

A technical team from the manufacturer PZL-widnik SA is looking into the helicopter malfunction.

The government has eight combat utility helicopters worth P2.8 billion from PZL-widnik SA. The package includes ground support equipment, spare parts, support services and training for aircrew and maintainers.

The first batch consisting of four helicopters arrived February last year while the second batch of two Sokols was delivered last November. The last batch composed of two helicopters arrived in February.