Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News (July 20) stated that one of the helicopters exploded at Tacama and implied that a part was bad, including the turbine, and was replaced. Turbine damage is only possible due to human error. It would have occurred because the manufacturer’s specifications were not being followed and damage would have occurred after starting the engine when the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures were exceeded. The human element always controls the starting of any helicopter or aircraft.

Kaieteur News has also reported in the past that the Bell 206 helicopters were only for news gathering and tourism, etc, and bad for law enforcement operations. However, my research has revealed that the Bell 206 helicopter is the favourite and preferred helicopter for various law enforcement and military agencies around the world, including the USA.

The military version of the Bell 206 helicopter is called the OH58 helicopter and is still the choice of helicopter for the US military for aerial patrol, reconnaissance and training, etc.

I think the government should be commended for buying Bell 206 helicopters to support the multipurpose role of the army which includes training, patrols, etc. I wish the GDF success in their operations.

Yours faithfully,
H. Collins