The only medical helicopter in this country is not being used for rescue operations because its flying licence without a CVFDR - the so-called black box - has expired, bTV reports. The air ambulance’s last operation took place five days ago when an injured person was air lifted from Sandanski to St. Ekaterina hospital in Sofia.  

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“12 November was the date until which the helicopter had temporary authorization issued by the Directorate General Civil Aviation Administration for flying without a black box. It is not operational at the moment because of the execution of the procedure of assembly and certification of the flight information and conversations register,” the Ministry of Health says.

According to the manufacturing company, it is a matter of days before the air ambulance is equipped. Until then, a military helicopter will be used in air lifting operations.