Possible drones were observed on Johan Sverdrup’s field in the North Sea on Wednesday evening. Avinor confirms this to Dagbladet.
– Avinor is aware of the incident with possible drone observations to Johan Sverdrup. Two helicopters have asked to turn back due to possible drone observations, says communications consultant Ylva Celius Trulsen in Avinor.
Dagbladet is informed that the two helicopters have turned and returned to the ground, just before the expected landing just before eight.
According to information from Dagbladet, large drones have been observed.
– The airspace is not closed and air traffic is not affected, says Avinor.
Equinor’s press contact, Sissel Rinde, will not comment on the circumstances surrounding the remarks for “security reasons”.
Dagbladet was in contact with both the Sør-West Police District and the Armed Forces Operations Headquarters on Wednesday evening. They claim they cannot comment on possible observations.
– The safe side
Vice President Carl Gilbert Rego of the Parat Pilots Association can tell Dagbladet that he is aware that observations were made on possible drones on Wednesday.
– Two possible sightings have been reported, at an unknown height. A safety assessment was carried out that the safest thing would have been to return the helicopters to the ground. This is due to the safety of the flight, Rego says.
Rego says this type of assessment is something pilots have gotten used to in recent times and that helicopter returns are primarily about flight safety.
– The pilots have gotten used to this lately and are always vigilant. We have full respect that they always choose to play it safe, Rego continues.
