Defense Minister Confirms Black Hawk Helicopters Can Land at Hospital Heliports Nationwide

Defense Minister Addresses Helicopter Landing Capabilities

Defense Minister Nuno Melo has confirmed that the Black Hawk helicopters being acquired by the Air Force can be used for medical emergencies and are capable of landing at hospital heliports across Portugal.

Extensive Landing Capabilities Demonstrated

Nuno Melo revealed that these helicopters have already successfully landed at 25 heliports during the day and 18 heliports at night throughout the country, demonstrating their operational flexibility for emergency medical services.

Minister Dismisses Reports as "Misinformation"

The Defense Minister characterized recent reports questioning the helicopters' landing capabilities as "desinformation." This comes in response to a Publico newspaper article suggesting the four Black Hawk helicopters could only land at one of the seven hospital heliports authorized for emergency medical air transport, according to information from the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).

Clarification on Certification Authority

Speaking to journalists after the 50th anniversary ceremony of the Military Judicial Police in Oeiras, Nuno Melo clarified that the National Aeronautical Authority holds jurisdiction over certifying these military helicopters, not ANAC. He emphasized that military equipment falls outside civilian regulatory scope.

"The National Aeronautical Authority has already certified these helicopters to land at all these locations," stated the Defense Minister, explaining that this body also regulates where military helicopters can land when necessary.

Legal Framework Supports Military Aircraft Independence

The minister further elaborated on the legal basis, noting that "I have immense respect for ANAC, it is an absolutely fundamental entity, and it is completely correct in the civilian dimension. However, in this case, the certifying authority is the National Aeronautical Authority, and the International Civil Aviation Convention excludes military aircraft in its Article 3. Therefore, it falls to the National Aeronautical Authority to determine where these military helicopters can land."

(with Lusa)