PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 — Effective June, all Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) pilots must complete at least 12 flight hours per month, up from the previous requirement of five hours.
JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said the department aims to maintain high pilot readiness while enhancing proficiency and safety in aviation.
“This move also demonstrates JBPM’s ongoing commitment to preventing incidents that could result in loss of life and damage to aircraft.
“The department has adjusted its financial allocations to help us meet the required flight hours for our pilots,” he told reporters after attending the JBPM monthly assembly here today.
Nor Hisham said data collected since the order came into effect in June indicates JBPM pilots have fulfilled the new flight hour requirements.
He added that there are currently 25 pilots serving with JBPM.
In a separate development, Nor Hisham said the government has agreed in principle to procure two AW139 aircraft for JBPM.
He said the aircraft will be equipped with medical support equipment, functioning as flying hospitals.
“According to our initial plan, the two aircraft will serve as Emergency Medical Air Ambulance Rescue Services. They will be deployed as flying hospitals in response to incidents or emergency calls.
“We hope that with these two aircraft, our services, particularly in providing medical assistance to the Health Ministry or during emergency incidents, will improve,” he said.
— Bernama
