Negros Occidental Vice-Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday aired a proposal for the provincial government to buy a Cessna 206 light plane, to be used for aerial survey and cloud-seeding operations, among others.

Alvarez said his proposal, which he made almost two years ago, already had the concurrence of members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. However, he added, there are no funds available for it now, although Gov. Alfredo Marañon seemed to have approved it.

The proposal is to buy a second-hand 6-seater Cessna 206 light plane, worth P15 million, with 200 flying hours, he said.

A brand new Cessna 206 plane costs P20 million, Alvarez, a licensed pilot, said.

The Cessna 206, also known as Skywagon, Stationair and Super Skylane, is a single engine, general aviation aircraft with a fixed landing gear used in commercial air service and for personal use.

The Cessna 206 is being described as “the sport-utility vehicle of the air.” They are also used for aerial photography, skydiving and other utility purposes and can be equipped with floats, amphibious floats and skis.

The Negros Occidental provincial government usually requests for air assets of the Philippine Air Force for aerial survey and rescue operations, especially during natural calamities, and would hire a privately-owned plane for cloud-seeding operations, in the previous years.* GPB

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