The CASA 212 is a light tactical transport aircraft powered by two turboprop engines designed and manufactured for military and civilian use. Its designation C refers to the manufacturing company, the following three numbers refer, the first one, to the number of engines it owns and, the next two digits, to the passenger capacity.
The C212 is an aircraft that adapts efficiently and safely to the aeronautical infrastructure of many of the airfields located in the most remote regions of the Colombian territory, so it is a strategic and flagship aircraft of the Colombian Air Force, which can be used in different missions and roles such as cargo and passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation and parachute launch.
The training school for pilots and co-pilots of this aircraft is at the Marco Fidel Suárez Air Base, in Cali, where the crew prepare to fly the pelicano, as it is called.
Thanks to the exceptional training and instruction that the crews receive and to the versatility and its characteristic STOL, this aircraft can take off and land on short unprepared runways, where other aircraft fail to land. In addition, the work done by all ground personnel leads to operational readiness, a quiet operation, but of vital importance, leading to operate safely and efficiently this fleet.
The Colombian Air Force currently has four of these aircraft, all of which are operated by Air Combat Command No.7 and the Military School of Aviation Marco Fidel Suárez. During 2021, 319 hours have been flown which has led to transport 1 572 passengers and over 45 tons of cargo to different departments of the country, among them, Caquetá, Cauca, Cauca, Nariño, Magdalena, Meta, Quibdó, Antioquia, among others.
Being a light and tactical transport aircraft that adapts efficiently and safely to the precarious aeronautical infrastructure of airfields in regions of difficult access, it becomes a liaison aircraft, which conducts countless missions in logistical and tactical support in military operations.
The C-212 is undoubtedly a strategic ally in the air operations of the Colombian Air Force. Since its arrival in 1983 and today after 38 years, it continues to meet the operational and transport needs, overcoming adverse weather, thermal floors and areas of difficult access.
Source: press-Colombian Air Force
