Nevertheless, Slovak Training Academy is very focused on the issue of noise, especially in locations adjacent to the International Airport in Košice, and is trying to find compromise solutions. “In the long run, we are trying to discuss constructively with local government representatives as well as with the public, and together we are looking for ways to make our activities as unburdened as possible. This is evidenced by a series of measures that we adopted last year. Our pilots fly higher than the prescribed standard, we change flight routes so that we do not burden the population with noise continuously and we try not to fly over the built-up area, “says Dominik Varga, CEO of STA.

A noise study commissioned by a certified company should bring a greater degree of objectivity to the subject of noise pollution. Noise measurements were carried out in the affected areas in April and May of this year, ie at the time when the highest intensity of flight training was recorded on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, including night flights. “We can assure the public that noise measurements were carried out using an objective methodology and through certified measurement techniques. We have already handed over a substantial part of the noise study to the Department of the Chief Hygienist of the Ministry of Transport, specifically to the Department of Regional Hygiene in Košice. We are still waiting for the processing of the measurement protocol so that we can complete the study. This should happen in the coming days, “explains Dominik Varga. The delay in submitting the noise study was caused by the workload of a third party, ie a certified company that carried out the study for STA. The demanding methodology and comprehensive assessment also required time for professional processing. “We will inform about the next procedure after the state authorities concerned comment on the noise study. At the same time, however, we reject the generalization of the topic of noise as a problem for all Košice and we also distance ourselves from the possible politicization of this topic in connection with the upcoming municipal elections, “adds Dominik Varga. In the summer months of June, July and August, the STA met the inhabitants of the affected localities and interrupted the night training of “Blackhawks”.

More than 300 people are working on the STA aviation academy project in the region. The company has invested tens of millions of euros in the region since its inception at the international airport in Košice, and its fleet has more than 20 helicopters at its disposal, including 4 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. “All our helicopters are properly registered and have noise certificates from the manufacturers. I emphasize that our aircraft, including UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, are civilian and not military. This is evidenced by the civilian brands and markings of all our helicopters, “says Dominik Varga. STA annually trains dozens of helicopter pilots for the needs of foreign clients as well as the Air Force of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, while working closely with the Faculty of Aviation of the Technical University in Košice.