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Aviation History
1989
1989 - 3530.PDF
Crews must accept a higher-than-normal level of risk and hardship, operating in remote areas •with little personal comfort and the ever-present regional problems of securi ty and political instability, but Zimex's expe rience has shown that the typical bush pilot seeking adventure is totally unsuitable. While preferring "mature personalities", the company is not immune from the preva lent air-transport pilot shortage, and is having to take on young pilots inexperienced in relief flying, starting them off as copilots on Twin Otters. The dangerous nature of relief work was underlined in October 1987, when a Zimex Hercules was shot down over Angola by unknown forces, probably with a missile, with the loss of four crew-members, two passengers and two people on the ground. Zimex customers include AGIP, Exxon, Halliburton, Schlumberger and Total, sup porting oil exploration, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Government, United Nations disaster relief offices, and UN peacekeeping forces in Angola (UNTAG) and Iran/Iraq (UNIIMOG). A typical Turbo Porter/Twin Otter opera tion involves between three and six aircraft, with three pilots to every two PC-6s and three crews per aircraft for the larger DHC- Turbo Porters can operate where helicopters would be unable to fly 6s. Each ground engineer handles between one and three aircraft. Zimex holds spares worth SFr5 million ($3 million) in Zurich, where its own overhaul company, Limess Aviation, does all major overhauls except for those on the Hercules and F.28. Zimex's involvement in relief efforts worldwide seems secure following the Swiss Government's recent decision to contribute more to international aid programmes, in part to soften the blow of the Swiss people's decision, early in 1988, not to become a fully fledged member of the United Nations. The core relief business runs on adrenahn; there is a limit to how much can be planned when business is driven largely by world events. It is not unknown for half a dozen aircraft to be grounded overnight because a relief agency is accused of conspiring with the local "rebels". Founder Hannes Zeigler claims Zimex is the leader in a utility market where an operator's flexibility, initiative and track record count; qualities demonstrated when, one Thursday in 1980, Air Ruanda approached the company with a 707 contract. Crew training began the following Monday and the contract lasted eight years. Q AAR is the hands-on distributor tor Litton systems, inc special Devices airline products AAR is now the exclusive worldwide distributor for ^.itton Systems, Inc., Special Devices airline after- market products. We have the Special Devices indicators and actuators you need. Ready to ship with your fax or phone call. Special Devices offers the highest quality products. AAR offers unmatched service. Together, we will provide the fast delivery you want, the reliable products you need, the service you deserve. O AAR CORP. Excellence In Aviation Support Worldwide 2100 Touhy Avenue Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 *(312) 956-5184 Telex: 190057 Fax: *(312) 437-0285 * 708 as of 11/11/89 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 15-21 November 1989
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