A fire resulting from an electrical short caused NIS millions of damage to a helicopter flight simulator on the IAF’s Palmachim base. Since the blaze a number of weeks ago, chopper pilots have not been able to use the unit, an integral component permitting them to maintain their necessary skills. Investigators have ruled out negligence or human error as the cause of the blaze.

The unit has only been in service in the IAF for five years, and it is said to be among the most advanced in the world today. Pilots use it to review and drill addressing various problems that may arise during a flight and how to take emergency action under any situation.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)