12 Flight Hours Per Month Now Mandatory For JBPM Pilots - DG

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Effective from 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 Monthly Flight Hours Compliance Instructions for Pilots aim to maintain high levels of pilot readiness while enhancing proficiency and safety in aviation.

He said that the instructions are also in line with the department’s compliance with the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for pilot competency within the Air Division.

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“This measure 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.

According to Nor Hisham, data collected since the order came into effect last June indicates that JBPM pilots have fulfilled the newly set flight hour requirements.

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He added that there are currently 25 pilots serving with JBPM.

In a separate development, Nor Hisham said the government had agreed in principle to procure two AW139 aircraft for JBPM.

He said that 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 (EMARS). 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 Ministry of Health or during emergency incidents, will improve,” he said.

-- BERNAMA