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Descripción :

‘We are not flying Supermen’


Seeing a helicopter flying, banking left and right, reversing and diving from an altitude of more than 500 metres can get one’s adrenaline pumping.

But for the chief pilot of Eurocopter Malaysia, Patrice Guena, that kind of action is just one flight test to ensure that the helicopter, which has been serviced, is free from defect and ready to be used again.

Reporter MEGAT LUTFI MEGAT RAHIM, accompanied by photographer WAHIDAH ZAINAL, who took part in test flight programme from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang to Petaling Jaya for an hour last Thursday, talked to Guena about his experience and his work.



Kosmo! Ahad: What is your job here in Malaysia?
GUENA: My main job here is to give technical support to the engineering division of Eurocopter Malaysia. I will test helicopters, which are undergoing service, to ensure zero defect and safety for our customers. Basically, there are two kinds of tests, ground tests and flight tests. Ground tests are more focused on the engines and blades, to confirm that they are working perfectly.

A flight test usually takes an hour or so for technical matters such as GPS (Global Positioning System), rotors, engines, speed, radios, and helicopter blades.

Other tests include speed testing with static flying, banking left and right, reversing and diving. These tests are important to detect and identify any defects, so that maintenance aircraft mechanics will be able to fix it.

Common problems that happen to a helicopter are leaks and the electrical system. Leaks in the fuel system are very dangerous as it can lead to crashes.


How many helicopters do you test in one day?
I will test two to three helicopters a day. Sometimes it is more than that.

If I have to run tests on helicopters for tens or even hundreds of times, I am willing to do it because we are not Supermen who can fly if any mishaps happen.

Usually tests will take one day or more, depending on the nature of the problems. After testing, I will write down all the defects in the logbook, so that the engineering division can fix it right away.

I also hold courses and training to local helicopter pilots.



Do you have to send the helicopters to the users?
I have started working for Eurocopter Malaysia for only six months. Before this, I am a helicopter pilot for the French armed forces. So far, I have sent one EC135 helicopter to a company in Kuching, Sarawak last December.



What is your most harrowing experience while flying?
I have been a helicopter pilot for the French armed forces for 25 years. I have been through many memorable experiences. I was involved in the conflicts in Iraq, Lebanon and Bosnia. In fact, one of my friends died when a rocket hit his helicopter, but the experience has never weakened my spirit. I am not afraid of heights, but on the other hand, I am quite bored by the view from above. Can you imagine, I have been flying for 25 years! But there are still a lot of things to explore.



How do you make sure that mishaps do not happen?
Flying a helicopter is not like driving a car. You have to be an expert and have lots of experience. Like I said earlier, a helicopter with zero defects reduces the risks.



You must have one unforgettable experience?
10 years ago, when i was still flying for the French armed forces, I have to rescue passengers from a ship of Southern France. The ship is sinking because of a leak in the hull.

The situation was critical. Three people were clinging to the sinking ship. The incident happened about 120 kilometers from the French coast and the temperature at the time was about –40 degree celcius.
I got the order and went straight there and rescue them in an operation that took 15 minutes.

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• Creación: 12/10/2008 - 07:26 h
• Actualización : 05/07/2009 - 19:25 h
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