Efforts underway to boost search and rescue capability - GCAA Director

Efforts underway to boost search and rescue capability – GCAA Director

Sep 19, 2017 News

Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, (GCAA) (Rtd) Colonel Egbert Field, has revealed that steps have been taken by the authority towards developing Guyana’s search and rescue, capability.
Field said that steps were taken to strengthen enforcement of navigation and safety regulations.
The GCAA Head was at the time responding to queries regarding Guyana’s capability to conduct adequate search and rescue in light of a series of plane crashes and other accidents in the hinterland.
Three GCAA air navigation officers who have already received search and rescue training in the United States (US), Peru and Mexico during the past 10 months, have since met with representatives of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).
Col. Field also noted that helicopter is an essential tool for search and rescue operations given the forested and mountainous features of Guyana‘s hinterland regions.
The GCAA Director therefore lamented the absence of Guyana Defence Force, (GDF)Bell 412 helicopter that could deploy personnel directly to crash sites.
“An important element of search and rescue, is a helicopter, in the event of a crash. I don’t know why the GDF equipment was allowed to deteriorate to the point where they don’t have a serviceable helicopter for proper search and rescue which is the Bell 412 helicopter,” he said.
He told the press nonetheless that he had “taken a serious look” at improving the search and rescue system.
Field expressed optimism that GCAA’s Board and government will support in his efforts.
Field added the GCAA is upping the ante in regards to navigational aids.
He explained that steps have been taken to activate Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) system, at strategic hinterland locations, Kaieteur, Annai, Kamarang and Port Kaituma
The ADS-B systems which allow for satellite tracking of aircraft was currently being expanded to include planes at altitudes below 24,000 feet. The GCAA boss said that as part of the process the aircraft would have to be fitted with transponders so that they could be tracked right down to landing.
At present, he said arrangements are being made for testing to be conducted by month-end by experts from the Canada-headquartered IntelCan to ensure proper data transmission of the ADS-B systems.

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