Air Force Wins Aviation Deed of the Year; People’s Choice Goes to Estonian Police and Border Guard Aviation Group

By the jury’s decision, the Air Force was awarded the Aviation Deed of the Year for its achievement titled “Recognition of Military Aviation Authority and Certification of Ämari Military Airfield.” The achievement consists of two major developments that directly strengthen the safety and international credibility of Estonian aviation:

• The NATO recognition of Estonia’s Military Aviation Authority confirms that Estonia’s military aviation oversight fully meets NATO standards and ensures regulated and safe military flight operations.
• The certification of Ämari military airfield means that the airfield now complies with the strictest ICAO and NATO requirements. Ämari is the most modern military airfield in the Baltics and one of the largest development and investment projects undertaken by the Estonian Defence Forces. Its importance in national defence cannot be overstated — the air base supports the daily presence of allied forces and handles thousands of operations each year.

Both achievements are the result of several years of dedicated work and close cooperation between multiple agencies.

The People’s Choice Award this year went to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Aviation Group for their achievement titled “VO15 project – 24/7 readiness within 15 minutes”. Until this summer, the helicopter squadron’s 15-minute response readiness was ensured only during daytime hours. With the VO15 project, the rescue helicopter crew is now able to take off at any time of day or night within a maximum of 15 minutes, providing reassurance and rapid assistance to anyone who may suddenly require helicopter support. Today’s readiness level is the result of several years of dedication and significant effort by the Aviation Group.

A total of 850 people participated in the public vote, with the winner receiving 379 votes. Among all voters who provided their e-mail address, we raffled four flight simulator gift cards.

Good fortune smiled on the following participants: Argo, Karina, Mait and Helen. The winners will be contacted by e-mail.

Since 2005, the “Deed of the Year in Estonian Aviation” competition has recognised Estonian aviation companies and organisations whose work and achievements are outstanding and of significant importance to the country’s aviation sector.