History
Narrative Summary
The Cyprus Government Aviation Unit was first established in 1967, when a single helicopter was acquired for VIP transport and liaison duties. The unit ceased to function after the Turkish invasion of the north of the country in 1974. The helicopter was retired and sold off.
In 1986 the Government Aviation Unit was re-established and a new helicopter acquired. A second, larger, helicopter was obtained in 1989. In 1992 this second machine was handed over to the Police Air Wing, and a year later the remaining helicopter was transferred to the Air Force. The Unit was then closed permanently.
Key Dates
| 1967 | Aviation Unit first established. | |
| 1974 | Government helicopter retired. | |
| 1986 | Aviation Unit re-established. | |
| 1993 | Aviation Unit disbanded. |
Current Status
The Aviation Unit was disbanded in 1993.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
National Insignia
The national flag is carried as a fin flash. No service titles were carried.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
All Government helicopters carried Cypriot civil registrations in the 5B-xxx series, e.g. 5B-ICL.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Click on aircraft type for more details
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Retirement | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell 206L-3 LongRanger III | 1 | 1986 | 1993 | USA |
| Bell 412SP | 1 | 1989 | 1992 | USA |
| Fairchild Hiller FH-1100 | 1 | 1967 | 1974 | USA |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Cyprus Government Aviation Unit, Nicosia.
Organisational Structure
The Government Aviation Unit had no sub-ordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
All helicopters were based at Nicosia Airport.
More Information
Books
Cyprus Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Magazines
No feature articles known.
Websites
Militair 1982 (Aviation Press) p.52
European Air Forces Directory 2012/13 (Mach III)