Sokol

Some days I just love my job.

Last Friday, I covered the turnover of the new Sokol helicopters of the Philippine Air Force at Clark, Pampanga. I haven't been that long in covering the military, but I was sure giddy for the airmen. I mean, it must have felt like having a new toy, getting all inspired to learn how to play with it and all that.

It was said that these Sokol multi-role choppers from a Polish firm were better than Hueys. If you don't know what a Huey is, it's a vintage helicopter and it gets to the news every now and then because it either crashed or had an emergency landing. Yeah, that Huey, get it now? Anyway, our pilots who have operated the Sokol so far, kept throwing the word "amazed" when asked about its capabilities. So maybe, it must be really something.

Only four of eight of the helicopters were delivered and the next would be by November late this year. Before you start praising our dear President that he has something to do with this good news, stop yourself. The deal was made during GMA's time. So there, I just wanted to say that this was not a part of "tuwid na daan." But to be fair, the President has not taken the credit.

Now the fun part.

The members of media who covered the event were treated to a 40-minute tour around Clark using the new helicopters. I heard we were among the first civilians who rode the Sokol. And I don't know if this is even relevant, but I was at the first sortie. I have no idea how the PAF office grouped the media, but I was grateful only later on to be in the first batch. Kami na talaga! Choz.

We were toured around Clark, Crow Valley in Tarlac and Mount Pinatubo. I have tried out a Huey before but only from Camp Aguinaldo to Villamor, but that's why the Sokol ride did not scare me even if I knew the pilots were not that familiar with it yet.

The view from above is...spectacular. I enjoyed seeing an aerial view of the green fields. I'm a farmer girl like that. The remnants of Lahar were also pretty to look at from above.

Meanwhile, the view from Crow Valley was also unforgettable because of its Baguio vibe! It was cold! Ang sarap! And like what Kate said, ang lakas maka Lord of the Rings ang peg!

But my favorite of all was the Mount Pinatubo crater. Pangarap ko yun eh! It was good to see the crater without trekking, but with the beautiful view, I guess the hike would probably be worth it. It was so beautiful I wanted to cry. Seriously. That's just me when overwhelmed. Iyakin.



What were my thoughts on the ride? Well, it was smooth. The Sokol can fly up to 140 knots, while the Huey is only at 90 knots. Sokol also has a double engine, that's why I was so confident during the ride. It is also four-bladed, which gave it less vibrations. Let us not go to technicals any further.


That's about it. I was so happy and excited and it made me appreciate my job even more.

So far, there are six pilots operating the Sokol and they will serve as instructor pilots. They would have to train more before the helicopters finally go to deployment.

Good luck to the future pilots of Sokol. Fair winds and blue skies always! I am really happy for the Air Force. :)

In case you're looking for our story or if you're interested in specs, go here: Air Force gets 4 new multi-role choppers

Video caption has yet to be corrected. Sorry. :)