Helios Airways press statement - (Travel Daily News)

Helios Airways

Qualification of the pilots and maintenance of the aircraft involved in the ZU522 tragedy

Friday, August 19, 2005

In response to some of the regrettably inaccurate and misleading media coverage which has followed the tragic accident to Helios Airways flight ZU522 on Sunday 14th August, Helios Airways Ltd confirmed the following factual information:

Qualifications of the pilots

The pilots who operated the Boeing 737-300 were both highly experienced and held valid Air Transport Pilot licenses recognised by the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation, which is a member of the European Joint Airworthiness Authorities (JAA). As part of the normal procedures followed by every airline which operates under JAA standards, Helios Airways pilots regularly undergo recurrent training and proficiency checks, as well as regular medical examinations to ensure their fitness to operate large transport aircraft.

The Captain of flight ZU522, Capt Hans Jurgen Merten, had operated more than 17,500 flying hours, including 12,500 hours as pilot-in-command on jet aircraft, of which more than 8,000 hours were on Boeing 737 variants. Capt Merten, who was a German citizen, held an Air Transport Pilots` Licence (ATPL) issued by the German Civil Aviation Authority (LBA), which was valid until 14 April 2006.

The First Officer, Pampos Charalambous, who was from Cyprus, had amassed more than 7,500 flying hours, including 3,700 hours on the Boeing 737. Mr Charalambous held a valid ATPL issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and had flown with Helios Airways since May 2000.

All pilots employed by Helios Airways must hold an Air Transport Pilots` License issued by a JAA member state, and must have both a valid type rating (license to fly a specific aircraft type) and a valid aviation medical certificate. Pilots joining Helios Airways are required to undergo a company Operators` Proficiency Check (OPC), which is mandated by the JAA, and may also take a Licence Proficiency Check (LPC), which is an instrument flying check performed in a simulator.

Pilots are also required by the JAA and by Helios Airways to take an intensive company-specific training course in order to acquire familiarity with company manuals and procedures. This includes training on emergency procedures, safety equipment and crew resource management (CRM).

Maintenance of Helios Airways aircraft

All aircraft operated by Helios Airways are maintained in accordance with procedures contained in the manufacturer`s maintenance planning document and approved by the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation. Cypriot Aviation Regulations are modelled on those adopted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The maintenance programme for aircraft operated by Helios Airways is managed by a UK-based company which is certified by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The licensed aircraft engineers and other technical staff who maintain the Helios Airways fleet are fully trained and qualified to perform these duties by appropriate authorities, in compliance with European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) regulations.

The Boeing 737-300 involved in the 14 August accident last underwent routine maintenance checks on 10th and12th August. No technical issues were reported during these checks. The last annual heavy maintenance check was performed from 28th November - 11th December 2004, in accordance with the maintenance programme approved by the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation.

Following the accident on 14 August, Helios Airways immediately provided the maintenance records and other required technical data to the relevant authorities, and is co-operating fully with all requests for information and assistance. The airline has sent a team of technical experts to participate in the accident investigation commission, in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) procedures for accident investigation.

The management and staff of Helios Airways are profoundly shocked and distressed by this tragedy and mourn the loss of friends and colleagues among the crew as well as our passengers. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those on board, and we continue to provide every possible support and assistance to them.

Helios Airways is absolutely committed to supporting the investigation process, and expects a thorough and complete examination of all factors which may have contributed to the loss of flight ZU522.

In the meantime, partial, inaccurate or sensationalist reporting of events surrounding the accident serves no purpose except to increase the confusion and distress of the families of those on board.