EXPERT EXCHANGE. PAF and HING personnel on a practical discussion regarding PAF’s S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopter during the five-day SMEE held at the Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu. The Philippine Air Force on Friday (Sept. 20, 2024) said the activity also aimed to improve the PAF's interoperability and maximize the capabilities of its S-70i helicopters in order to support various operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Hawaii Army National Guard (HING) held a five-day subject matter expert exchange on aircraft maintenance at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.
The activity, which started on Monday and ended Friday, is part of ongoing efforts to boost the PAF's repair capabilities, Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.
Participants in the five-day event are composed of 35 personnel from the PAF's 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing along with 13 operatives from the HING.
Castillo said the PAF personnel discussed with their counterparts various topics and practical demonstrations on aircraft maintenance, focusing on the S-70i "Black Hawk" -- the Philippines' most up-to-date helicopter.
"The exchange emphasized the importance of collaboration and fostering a deeper understanding regarding aircraft maintenance, which is crucial for ensuring the (S-70i) Black Hawk's operational capabilities," Castillo said.
These efforts also aimed to improve the PAF's interoperability and maximize the capabilities of its S-70i helicopters in order to support various operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"These activities focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills required to perform effective maintenance procedures and ensure the operational readiness of aircraft. Topics covered included general maintenance practices, component inspection, and the use of specialized tools and equipment necessary for efficient aircraft servicing and upkeep," she added. (PNA)
