Portuguese Air Force, May 11, 2025 - First Sergeant Igor Silva has reached a historic milestone by becoming the first crew member of the Air Force to log 3,000 flight hours on the EH101 Merlin helicopter.
Over 12 years of service, First Sergeant Igor Silva, a Systems Operator on the EH101 Merlin, has averaged 250 flight hours per year, totaling 828 operational missions:
- 666 medical air transports;
- 128 search and rescue missions.
A Systems Operator is responsible for operating the helicopter’s hoist and plays the critical role of acting as the pilots’ “eyes.”
He guides the pilots by voice to correctly position the helicopter, especially when they do not have a clear visual on the objective.
This role is crucial and becomes even more important during missions carried out in challenging weather conditions.
Currently serving with Squadron 752 – “Phoenix”, First Sergeant Igor Silva is also an instructor for systems and hoist operations, an airframe and engine production inspector, and a technician for vibration analysis and measurement.
This achievement of 3,000 flight hours reflects the commitment and bravery of all military personnel who risk their lives daily “That others may live”!
The Portuguese EH101 Merlin is a versatile, long-range, multi-role helicopter operated by the Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) since 2005. Acquired to replace the aging SA 330 Puma, the EH101—designated Helicóptero de Busca e Salvamento (HS) in Portuguese service—plays a critical role in search and rescue (SAR), tactical transport, and medical evacuation missions. With its powerful engines, extended range, and advanced avionics, the EH101 enables Portugal to carry out rescue operations across the vast Atlantic Ocean surrounding the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, as well as along its mainland coastline.
Operated mainly by Esquadra 751 “Pumas” and Esquadra 752 “Fénix”, the Portuguese EH101 fleet has accumulated over 30,000 flight hours since its introduction. The aircraft’s spacious cabin can be configured for stretchers, medical equipment, or troop transport, and it features a high-performance rescue hoist essential for at-sea extractions. Its all-weather and night-flying capabilities make it indispensable in emergency missions. With a strong record of operational reliability, the EH101 remains a cornerstone of Portugal's air rescue and humanitarian response capabilities.
Over 12 years of service, First Sergeant Igor Silva, a Systems Operator on the EH101 Merlin, has averaged 250 flight hours per year, totaling 828 operational missions:
- 666 medical air transports;
- 128 search and rescue missions.
A Systems Operator is responsible for operating the helicopter’s hoist and plays the critical role of acting as the pilots’ “eyes.”
He guides the pilots by voice to correctly position the helicopter, especially when they do not have a clear visual on the objective.
This role is crucial and becomes even more important during missions carried out in challenging weather conditions.
Currently serving with Squadron 752 – “Phoenix”, First Sergeant Igor Silva is also an instructor for systems and hoist operations, an airframe and engine production inspector, and a technician for vibration analysis and measurement.
This achievement of 3,000 flight hours reflects the commitment and bravery of all military personnel who risk their lives daily “That others may live”!
Portuguese EH101 Merlin
The Portuguese EH101 Merlin is a versatile, long-range, multi-role helicopter operated by the Força Aérea Portuguesa (Portuguese Air Force) since 2005. Acquired to replace the aging SA 330 Puma, the EH101—designated Helicóptero de Busca e Salvamento (HS) in Portuguese service—plays a critical role in search and rescue (SAR), tactical transport, and medical evacuation missions. With its powerful engines, extended range, and advanced avionics, the EH101 enables Portugal to carry out rescue operations across the vast Atlantic Ocean surrounding the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, as well as along its mainland coastline.
Operated mainly by Esquadra 751 “Pumas” and Esquadra 752 “Fénix”, the Portuguese EH101 fleet has accumulated over 30,000 flight hours since its introduction. The aircraft’s spacious cabin can be configured for stretchers, medical equipment, or troop transport, and it features a high-performance rescue hoist essential for at-sea extractions. Its all-weather and night-flying capabilities make it indispensable in emergency missions. With a strong record of operational reliability, the EH101 remains a cornerstone of Portugal's air rescue and humanitarian response capabilities.
See also |
EH101 in
Força Aérea Portuguesa Esq 752
Esquadra 752 Força Aérea Portuguesa Portuguese Air Force 
