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20. 08
On August 18 the UR-HLG Mi-8MTV-1 crew of the Aviation Company 'Ukrainian Helicopters', having successfully performed the assigned aviation works on large scale firefighting in Kaluga region, returned from the Russian Federation

 Firefighting works were performed on a pro bono basis by a reinforced air crew consisting of flight commander chief of aviation group N.A. Naida, pilots in command S.V. Nozdrin, A.I. Mindarev, A.N. Gripas, co-pilot S.V. Savchenko, flight engineers E.U. Suchkin, I.V. Volokhovich, aircraft technicians V.E. Rodin and A.V. Korovnichenk.

On August 18 the UR-HLG Mi-8MTV-1 crew of the Aviation Company 'Ukrainian Helicopters', having successfully performed the assigned aviation works on large scale firefighting in Kaluga region, returned from the Russian Federation

 The situation in Kaluga region was complex: large areas of forests and peat lands were on fire. As IA REGNUM News agency informed, the wildfire had destroyed half of Bukreevo village, with one man being hurt. There were difficulties in navigating the helicopter due to dense smoke covering the entire territory of Kaluga region.

For the period of July 07-17 the air crew of the Ukrainian Helicopters logged 60 hours and made 441 water dumping with total quantity of 1234 tones of water over the fire spots. The main task of firefighters of Kaluga region and Ukrainian aviation specialists during the firefighting works was to localize the fire approaching the villages and manufacturing facilities located near woodlands. Ten villages and large areas of woods were saved thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian Helicopters professionals.

Successful performance of Ukrainian Helicopters was highly appreciated by the governor of Kaluga region A.D. Artamonov who presented the air crew members with wristwatches. In his telegram to V.V. Tkachenko, the Chairman of the Board, Director General of PJSC 'AC 'Ukrainian Helicopters', A.D. Artamonov expressed his gratitude to Ukrainian Helicopters management and to all Mi-8MTV-1 crew members for courage and professionalism demonstrated during firefighting in Kaluga region. He has also pointed out 'Your personal participation and active assistance in firefighting stopped widespread extermination of woodlands and settlements of our region. Your work is a real input into development of friendship between Russia and Ukraine'.

IMG_1154On August 16th, according to the instruction of the Russian Government, the crew of Mi-8MTV helicopter arrived to 'Ramenskoe' airdrome together with members of all foreign air crews who took part in firefighting. On August 17th, Russian Prime-Minister Vladimir V. Putin thanked the crews and their respective governments for the work done and presented "Aviator" wristwatches to the best crew chiefs, Nikolai Naida was among them. Sergei Shoigu, head of the Ministry of Emergency of Russian Federation presented the pilots with honorable awards of his ministry. The highest achievement for the pilots was liquidation of fire danger in Kaluga region.

 Upon their return to Zhuliany Airdrome (Kiev) on August 18th, upon the request of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Ukraine, the Mi-8MTV helicopter air crew took up duty on firefighting in Ukraine.

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