Prime Minister Academic Nikolay Denkov, in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov, handed over the certificates of airworthiness (brevets) to the first pilots who will perform emergency medical assistance operations by air — HEMS. The six pilots, who will operate the first two helicopters, have undergone theoretical and practical training and passed their exams.
‘So far we mostly talk about the helicopters, I am happy that we have already started talking about the people who are no less important. You are the heroes of what is to come,’ the Prime Minister addressed the pilots. He pointed out that the coordination between the different institutions and services, as well as the connection with the 112 telephone, will allow to respond as quickly as possible with the available equipment when necessary and will be beneficial for everyone.
‘These are pilots who will have the good fortune and chance to kick-start the emergency medical services system. These are probably the most trained pilots in Bulgaria. The important thing is that despite the sceptics, despite the critics, this is the right way in which the emergency medical care system in Bulgaria should be built. And these are the European rules that apply throughout Europe,’ Minister Gvozdeykov said. He said that the draft budget for next year included funds for an advance payment for the procurement of the additional two helicopters, bringing the total number to eight.
The event was held at the air base of the Border Police at Sofia Airport, where the first helicopter for emergency medical assistance by air will be temporarily based. Two (temporary) operational bases have been built — in Sofia on the territory of the air base of the Border Police and at the ‘Georgi Benkovski’ Air Force Academy in Dolna Mitropolia. A public tender is to be announced for the construction of the six operational bases of the air emergency medical aid system in Sofia, Plovdiv, Sliven, Gabrovnitsa, Dolna Mitropolia, Targovishte.
The first helicopter with LZ-HMA registration, on the basis of which the aircraft operator will be certified, has already been produced. It is currently undergoing standard flight tests and is about to be painted. The helicopter must be airlifted to Bulgaria by 15 January 2024. The second helicopter is expected to be delivered in mid-2024 and the third in late 2024. The remaining 3 helicopters should be ready by mid-2026.
The licensing procedure for the operator Bulgaria Heli Med Service EAD is ongoing. Active work is underway at DG CAA to verify documents and procedures. It is expected to be finalised by mid-February 2024, so that when the first helicopter arrives, the aircraft operator will be operational.
