**Air Firefighting Safety ‘Should Be Top Priority’ Following Greek Helicopter Accident**
In the wake of a tragic helicopter accident in Greece that resulted in the deaths of two individuals, aviation expert Chrysanthos Hadjichrysanthou has emphasized the critical importance of safety in aerial firefighting missions. Hadjichrysanthou, who serves as the chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation Mediterranean (FSF-MED), stated that safety must be continuously prioritized and improved within this high-risk sector.
The incident occurred on August 2, when two helicopters collided while combating a wildfire near Psatha, approximately 65 kilometers west of Athens. A Danish pilot and a Greek fire brigade liaison officer lost their lives when one of the helicopters caught fire and crashed into a ravine. The second helicopter, despite sustaining damage, managed to execute an emergency landing, allowing its British pilot and Greek coordinator to survive.
Hadjichrysanthou noted that it is still too early to ascertain the specific causes of the accident, as investigations are ongoing. He remarked, “However, every such incident serves as a reminder that safety in firefighting missions demands being alert continuously.” He highlighted that helicopters involved in firefighting operations must possess a valid flight capacity certificate, adhere to maintenance protocols as specified by manufacturers and aviation authorities, and be operated by crews that are both properly trained and experienced.
According to Hadjichrysanthou, aviation accidents can stem from various factors, including human error, technical failures, adverse weather conditions, or a combination of these elements. He stressed the necessity for strict adherence to safety protocols, quality training, and effective risk management to prevent such tragedies.
In Cyprus, all aircraft engaged in firefighting must meet the standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority and, where applicable, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Hadjichrysanthou acknowledged that while Cyprus has a satisfactory inspection framework, there remains potential for improvement in areas such as training, inter-agency coordination, and the integration of advanced technology. He also noted that weather conditions, including extreme heat and strong winds, must be considered in operational planning, with the final decision to fly resting with the aircraft's captain.
The FSF-MED chairman asserted that the lessons learned from the Greek accident should prompt authorities to proactively enhance safety measures rather than waiting for the investigation's findings. “Every incident is an opportunity to reevaluate procedures, training, communication, and operational planning, so that we can continuously reduce risks,” he stated.
To facilitate ongoing safety discussions and improvements, FSF-MED organizes seminars and workshops aimed at addressing safety issues and preventing accidents. Hadjichrysanthou expressed his deep respect for those who operate firefighting aircraft, emphasizing that their mission is invaluable. However, he underscored that no mission is worth more than human life.
He urged operators to exercise their right and legal obligation to refuse flights if they believe that the aircraft is not technically sound or if adverse weather conditions pose a risk. He called for full protection for these operators from their employers when they make such critical decisions.
In his remarks, Hadjichrysanthou also appealed to the public to trust the professionals managing firefighting operations. He encouraged citizens to follow the guidance of authorities and to remember that behind every firefighting aircraft are individuals working under challenging and dangerous conditions.
As the investigation into the Greek helicopter accident continues, the aviation community remains focused on enhancing safety protocols to prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of those engaged in aerial firefighting missions.