TWO air ambulances have been cleared to fly again this morning after being grounded over safety fears.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), which has its headquarters at Norwich Airport, took the precautionary measure to stop using two Eurocopter 135s while it sought advice from the manufacturer, after a defect was discovered in three similar aircraft.
But, as of 7am this morning, the air ambulances have cleared to fly again across Cambridgeshire
The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust provided emergency cover in the region while the helicopters were out of service for 24 hours following reports that three similar Eurocopter helicopters had developed cracks below the rotor blade.
An EAAA spokesman said: “The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) charity is delighted to announce that Bond have cleared the EC135 helicopters as safe to fly.
“We are among several air ambulance charities who were affected by the 24 hour grounding. This was an important precaution at the time.
“There were no faults with the rotor hub on either of the East Anglian Air Ambulance helicopters, which were grounded as a precautionary measure.
“Local people in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk can once again enjoy the peace of mind that the helicopter ambulance and skilled crew are prepared and ready to attend any accidents or medical emergencies to which they are called.”
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