Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs releases statement on the use of “Super Puma” and “Mi-8”.

First of all, we once again express our deep sorrow for the tragedy that happened near Gudauri on July 29 and offer our condolences to the families of the deceased, colleagues, friends and the whole of Georgia.

We would like to respond to the wrong facts in some media and social networks.

It is unfortunate that we have to publish this statement in light of the tragedy, but it is better for the general public to know the verified and accurate facts.

First of all, it should be noted that the pilots and flight technicians on board: Colonel Zaza Loria, Lieutenant Colonel Levan Chokheli, Major Dimitri Kaadze and Lieutenant Andro Kujoshvili were high-level professionals in their field. The flight was controlled by Colonel Zaza Loria, the deputy head of the Main Department of Special Purpose Aviation of the Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the field of flight training, who has been a pilot since 1992 and has commanded a helicopter squadron for years.

Under the leadership of Colonel Zaza Loria, many difficult rescue operations have been carried out over the years and he has saved many lives.

It is worth noting that at the base of the Main Division of Special Purpose Aviation of the Border Police, the helicopter is inspected in detail during each take-off, and it is not allowed for the pilots to start and fly a technically defective helicopter.

It is worth noting that in 2019-2022 the Air Park of the Border Police was fully updated, which means that all helicopters are regulated, maintained and updated.

It is also worth noting that in March 2022, the border police, in full compliance with the rules of Georgian legislation, on the basis of the government"s decree, in accordance with the international rules of aviation safety and the manual of aviation technical services, purchased 2 sets of tail screws for 2 "Mi-8" MTV-1 type helicopters on the balance sheet of the Border Police.

The old tail screws on both helicopters were replaced with new ones, in full compliance with international aviation safety regulations.

We would also like to make a clarification regarding the 2 “Super Pumas” in the balance of the Border Police, which were purchased in 2011 without the necessary equipment for rescue functions. This is why Super Puma cannot be used in search and rescue operations (for evacuating people or extinguishing fires). In particular, we should highlight one Super Puma, which was made to order, with a high-class interior and design, and which was used only for the transportation of high-ranking people.

“Mi-8” helicopter is used in search-rescue and rescue operations. This helicopter has special rescue equipment.

Also, the fact that the “Super Puma” is stuck in the Kakheti region is fallacious. “Super Puma” has been removed from the Lagodekhi defense section and is being deployed at the base of the main division of aviation for special purposes.

Incontrovertibly, we would like to point out that the best, high-level professional pilots and flight technicians work in the special purpose aviation of the border police, who undergo special training twice a year.

As publicly known, in connection with the Gudauri tragedy, an investigation into the violation of air transport operation rules was started immediately, which is being conducted under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.