New Enstrom 480s for CLV
On 19 and 20 December 2022, the Vzdušné síly armády České republiky (CzAF, Czech Air Force) received two new Enstrom 480B-G training helicopters for use with the Centrum Leteckého Výcviku LOM s.p. (CLV, Aviation Training Centre) at Pardubice air base.
The first Enstrom 480, completely white with serial 0516, arrived on 19 December. The second one, serial 0515, arrived a day later and has a VIP colour scheme of black and white with some golden stripings.
Anticipating an increase in helicopter training for 2023, Czechia is expanding the training fleet with two leased Enstrom 480s from six to eight helicopters.
As a replacement for the ageing Mil Mi-2 helicopters, the CLV received six Enstrom 480B-G small light helicopters. The first four were delivered in June and August 2018 and are all camouflaged with dayglow painted parts on the nose and tail section of the helicopter.
In May 2021, a further two were delivered, but these have a white overall colour scheme with only the Czech flag painted on the horizontal stabilizers.
Next to the Enstrom 480s the CLV also has a nice variety of aircraft in service; one EV-97 Eurostar, one Zlin 43C, nine Zlin 142s, six Mi-17s, two L-410s and seven L-39s. All are based at Pardubice.
Photos by Czech Air Force