BERIEV
Aircraft
Company
Aircraft
Company
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BERIEV
Aircraft Company |
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No. 90 dt. 22 July, 2005.
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The Be-200 multipurpose amphibian aircraft is being currently operated in Italy under a lease contract between Beriev Aircraft Company and SOREM Company, being the authorized firefighting service operator assigned by the Civil Protection Department (Protezione Civile) of Italy. On July 17, 2005 (upon the accomplishment of the familiarization flight program including the observation of the lakes by Be-200ES flight crew members from the point of view of their suitability for water scooping), the Civil Protection Department in coordination with the Italian Aviation Authorities approved Be-200ES for missions. On July 20, 2005, the Be-200ES amphibian took part in two firefighting operations. The first fire originated in the hard-to-reach mountainous chine in the southern part of Sardinia. At the time when Be-200 ES amphibian arrived at the area of fire, two helicopters of Sardinian Fire Fighting Department were trying to suppress the fire but their operation was impeded by the strong crosswind. The Be-200ES amphibian aircraft made three drops of fire suppressant and the fire was extinguished. The second fire originated near the city called Olbia. The fire originated in the resort area close to dwelling houses, car parkings and other town facilities. The Be-200ES multipurpose amphibian together with two Canadair CL-415 amphibians took part in this firefighting operation. The Be-200ES aircraft made 17 drops of fire suppressant. The fire was isolated and extinguished. After that the ground services started their work on eliminating the consequences of the fire. Representatives of Italian Fire Fighting Service were observing the firefighting operation from ground and confirmed the high efficiency of the aircraft operation. Firefighting operation photos (dated July 18, 2005) were taken from Be-200ES amphibian aircraft.
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