Philippine Army commissions two R44 Raven lightweight training helicopters

The Philippine Army (PA) announced on 6 October that it has inducted into service two recently donated Robinson R44 Raven light training helicopters.

The Philippine Army announced on 6 October that it has commissioned two Robinson R44 Raven light training helicopters. (Philippine Army)

The PA said via its Facebook page that the four-seat rotorcraft entered service with the Aviation ‘Hiraya’ Regiment in a ceremony held at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Province, that was presided over by PA Commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.

The helicopters will be used “for the training of the incoming rotary[-wing] pilot students of the regiment”, noted the PA, adding that Lt Gen Sobejana also attended the closing ceremony of an aviation qualification course.

Some of the 16 graduates from the class will undergo rotary-wing aircraft training at Fort Magsaysay while the rest will be deployed to the Special Mission Aviation Company in the Visayas and Mindanao, said the army.

“The Philippine Army envisions to meet this demand for rapid-response ground forces, supported by aviation capabilities. And, at the heart of this capability are the army aviators. These pilots help the Force effectively respond to security requirements,” said the commander during the ceremony.