Cops deny blimp down for repairs

In a release yesterday, SAUTT claimed that airship operations have been temporarily suspended in order to get issuance of an export certificate of airworthiness.

This became necessary because of the fitting of new equipment which has been installed locally to enhance its operational capability.

"This activity required a full inspection of the aircraft for airworthiness by the international authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)," the release added.

It also stated that the runway is being repaired, which also curtailed some of the aircraft’s planned operations.

Yesterday, the blimp was in storage in Cumuto, at a SAUTT military site.

SAUTT officers said they could not reveal when the blimp will resume operations.

However, SAUTT remained adamant that the blimp was a valuable asset for its crime fighting capabilities.