December5, 2006:
Russia is building helicopter training facilities in Venezuela, to
train users of the many Russian helicopters being sold in the region. Venezuela
recently bought 54 Russian helicopters. Construction on the training center
will begin in two months. Most of the training will be for crews of Mi-17,
Mi-35 and Mi-26 helicopters. All three of these are used by the military, and
civilian firms. The Russian helicopters are noted for their ruggedness, ease of
use, and low price.