(Halifax) The Canadian Army’s CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter fleet was subjected to an unscheduled inspection after cracks appeared on the tail of a large majority of its aircraft.
Nineteen of the 23 helicopters of this model have this problem. In a previous statement, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) reported only four.
She confirmed on Sunday that none of her Sikorsky-made helicopters were banned from flying.
The cracks were discovered on November 26 on a first aircraft during a routine inspection at the base of 443e Maritime Helicopter Squadron, Patricia Bay, British Columbia.
The Royal Air Force indicated that only two of these aircraft did not have this defect. The other two units are under long-term maintenance and will be inspected at a later date.
The inspection of the entire Cyclone fleet was completed last week. Repairs are expected to be completed within the next few days.
This problem affected Operation Lentus, which was implemented to assist flood victims in British Columbia.
The military had to deploy other devices, as did the province and other emergency service partners.