‘Cradle of Helicopter Pilots’ marks 29 years

The No:7 Helicopter Squadron of Sri Lanka Air Force, also known as the ‘Cradle of Helicopter Pilots’, located at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda holds an unbroken reputation and a history from 1994 to date, by rendering 29 years of dedicated service to Motherland.

The Squadron was initially established as the No: 401 Squadron on September 23, 1994 comprising of Bell 212 and Bell 206 Helicopters and was re-designated as the No: 7 Helicopter Squadron on March 23, 1996. The pivotal role played by the Squadron paved the way to many victories throughout the war. Further, it keeps on assisting the nation with its aircraft fleet at the hour of need. The squadron has amassed over 28,000 hours of operational flying which includes daring missions deep into the enemy lines pushing its men and machines to the limits, conducting over 21,000 sorties during the time of separatist conflict during the civil war alone. No 7 Helicopter Squadron has flown nearly 78,000 hours in total as a fleet, by 2023. Out of it, Squadron has conducted over 25,000 hours of training missions being the Alma Mater by producing helicopter aviators with professionalism and valour. Further 545 hours of commercial flying and over 90 hours of VIP sorties in the operational area. The Squadron was awarded the highest accolade a military organisation could receive, the Presidential Colours on March 2, 2019.

Presently the Squadron is commanded by Wing Commander Asanka Ratnayake and consists of Bell 212 and Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters. Apart from the valour shown during the past, the Squadron is further geared up to undertake a wider spectrum of air operations within the gamut of entire air power taxonomy, with available aircraft in the squadron fleet, keeping the professionalism and utmost intact to flight safety. The No: 7 Squadron has been and will continue to stand ready 24/7 all 365 days of the year as a first responder whenever the nation is in distress, either, due to manmade or natural disaster to save lives and property. The role and task of the Squadron includes Combat SAR (Search and Rescue), CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), Air Transportation of troops/cargo, Fire Fighting, CAP (Combat Air Petrol), CAS (Close Air Support), MEDIVAC (Medical Evacuations), Underslung operations, HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief), VIP transportation, Air Gunner tanning, NVG (Night Vision Goggles) training and most importantly Basic and Advance Helicopter training.

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