October 1, 2008: A paperwork problem has prevented Irish
soldiers from using helicopters for anything but carrying cargo. Irish
peacekeepers in Chad needed helicopters, and did what an increasing number of
countries did, they rented two Russian made Mi-8s, with Ukrainian crews, via a
British firm. The aircraft duly arrived in July and have served well, but only
for carrying cargo and casualties (using the "emergency clause".) The
problem is that the aircraft were leased as civilian aircraft, rather than as
military. When Mi-8s are classified as military helicopters, which they were in
Liberia, where Irish peacekeepers rode in them regularly, they are allowed to
carry personnel. But because of the laws the Irish troops operate under, when
Mi-8s are classified as civilian aircraft, they can only carry cargo. The Irish
have been trying to clear up this bureaucratic obstacle, so far without
success. The Irish troops, meanwhile, have to go by road, or beg a ride in
someone else's choppers.
