In fact, the priority of the AIB campaigns (forest fire prevention campaigns) seems to surpass that of the air rescue and urgent technical rescue.
AIB missions are scheduled and organized following a “punctual” planning. On 13-14 June, both the Liguria Flight Department and the Cecina Flight Department (Tuscany) were inoperative, leaving the entire coastal area from Ventimiglia to the border with northern Lazio completely unprotected for technical rescue by firefighters with helicopters.
There is recent news of the boat fire that occurred off the island of Elba, which fortunately resolved without consequences for the occupants, also because the closest and most available VF helicopter left from Arezzo with not exactly short times to reach the location of the event.
In Genoa, next week, the third Leonardo 139 helicopter will be delivered, which will be added to the other two already present in the hangar for a total value of around 60 million euros, with the clear risk of remaining parked and unused more and more frequently due to lack of personnel capable of conducting it on operational scenarios.
Considering the overall investment for the renewal of the fire brigade air fleet, which at the end of the year will be made up of 42 Leonardo 139 type helicopters with a total value of approximately 840 million euros (configured to tackle SAR missions and equipped with a medical kit) , we ask ourselves and ask ourselves as representatives of workers but above all of citizens, how it is possible to allow this waste of public money, for material goods that risk remaining unused or at least very underused.
If the priority of the Administration remains the fight against forest fires, carried out mainly using the AB412 aircraft which will be gradually replaced in the rescue activity (by Leonardo139); why are the qualifications of the personnel who should manage and pilot them also allowed to expire as a result?
Doesn’t this situation generate a professional decay of the staff achieved over the years using public money and personal sacrifices? What will be the Administration’s next target? Will you have to turn to a private company for the operation and management of the entire helicopter fleet, as already happens for Canadair, or will you make serious hiring and training plans in this regard? We will see and update you, but the future does not promise anything good.”
