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APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website.

Helicopters Off NTSB High Risk List; Working Group Established 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its annual Most Wanted List of safety improvements on Jan. 12, and for the first time in three years, helicopters specifically were not on the list. However, on the list this year is improved occupant protection in all modes of transportation.

APSA CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach will represent APSA and public safety aviation as a member of the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group (ROPWG). The initial meeting took place last month.

On November 5, 2015, the ARAC was tasked to provide recommendations regarding occupant protection rulemaking in normal and transport category rotorcraft for older certification basis type designs that are still in production. The FAA amended regulations to incorporate occupant protection rules, including those for emergency landing conditions and fuel system crash resistance, for new type designs in the 1980s and 1990s. These rule changes do not apply to newly manufactured rotorcraft with older type designs or to derivative type designs that keep the certification basis of the original type design. This approach has resulted in a very low incorporation rate of occupant protection features into the rotorcraft fleet, and fatal accidents remain unacceptably high. At the end of 2014, only 16% of U.S. fleet had complied with the crash resistant fuel system requirements effective 20 years earlier, and only 10% had energy-absorbing seats. A recent fatal accident study has shown these measures would have been effective in saving lives.

One of the FAA’s main focuses is on helicopter safety. The total number of U.S. helicopter accidents has steadily declined over the past 10 years, but the aviation community has not made sustainable progress in reducing the number of fatal accidents. In response to the FAA’s 2013-2014 post-crash fire and blunt force trauma study, along with concerns raised by the NTSB, the FAA has tasked the Rotorcraft Occupant Protection Working Group to take a new look at the airworthiness standards for older helicopter type designs. This work will focus on solutions that give helicopter occupants the greatest possible chance of surviving an emergency landing or accident. The ROPWG will provide the FAA with three reports over the next 24 months.

SOURCE: www.rotor.org and www.alea.org

Swedish Police to Acquire Three UAS Systems

The Swedish Police have contracted to acquire three unmanned aircraft systems. Each system, which uses the Qube quadcopter and will be completed for law enforcement purposes by Saab, will be delivered along with day/night sensors and a ground station, spare parts, consumables, documentation, training and technical support. The contract will be in effect from 2016 to 2018.

AeroVironment Inc. provides the remote-controlled Qube, which the Swedish Police will test in operations during 2016. The UAS will be equipped with digital cameras for collection of information about specific geographical areas, as well as sensors and technology for image transfer. AeroVironment has delivered similar systems to police forces across the United States.

SOURCE: www.uasvision.com

Man Sentenced for Rifle-Mounted Laser Strike on Aircraft

A man who pled guilty last year to pointing an airsoft rifle-mounted laser at a Fresno (CA) Police Department helicopter was sentenced last month to six months in prison and three years of supervised release.

The pilot and TFO were on routine patrol when they were struck several times by the man’s laser. When the ground FPD officers confronted the man, the suspect said that he was "dumb" and had "made a bad decision." The FPD also found that he had been monitoring their movements on a police scanner application on his iPhone.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar, who has become the nation’s toughest prosecutor in laser strike cases, said that at the very least, the defendant was aware of the ensuing harm caused by his actions. Reports of laser strikes have more than doubled over the last year, according to the FBI—rising from 3,894 cases to 7,702 cases.

SOURCE: www.arstechnica.com

FAA Drone App Pinpoints Restricted Airspace for Users

The Federal Aviation Administration publicly launched an updated Apple version of its B4UFLY app in early January, when FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced it at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. An Android version of the app was also released for beta testing, Huerta said.

“We expect B4UFLY will help raise public awareness about what it means to operate unmanned aircraft safely,” Huerta said. “It is another important part of our education and awareness efforts to foster a culture of safety and accountability for the [unmanned aircraft system] community.”

When activated, the app accesses users’ location to instantly tell them whether there are flight restrictions in the area, and whether they are within 5 miles of an airport or airfield to reduce the chance of midair collisions. To keep drones at a safe distance from manned airplanes, the FAA says drone users by law must contact nearby airport operators or air traffic control facilities if they plan to fly within 5 miles.

Pilots can also file future flight plans within the app, but the FAA warned that doesn’t count as notification they’re planning to fly near an airport because that information isn’t monitored on a real-time basis.

In December, the FAA started mandatory registration for all recreational unmanned aircraft — from quadcopters to model planes — between 0.55 and 55 pounds. Pilots caught without a registration number on their drone after the Feb. 19 deadline can face up to $250,000 in fines and up to three years in jail, the FAA has said.

SOURCE: www.faa.gov

Chinese Provincial Security Department Acquires H155

The H155's high speed and long endurance make it an ideal tool for police missions, as it can help ground forces accomplish many operations, including transportation, firefighting, search and rescue and traffic dispersion. With the largest cabin and lift capacity in its class, the H155 can transport police units of up to 12 members to an incident area.

SOURCE: Airbus Helicopters

UAS in Near Miss With CHP Was on Autopilot, Operator Apologizes

The operator of an unmanned aircraft system that nearly collided with a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter last December said later the UAS was on autopilot at the time because he lost its signal. The aviation student also publicly apologized to the CHP pilot for the incident. “Even though it was not in my control, I am the owner of the drone…I would like to ask for forgiveness from the CHP pilot,” he said. “I’m a student pilot myself so I would like to say sorry to him.”

The investigation is ongoing, and the operator could face criminal charges. The helicopter flight crew, who was tracking a stolen car, had to take evasive action when the drone passed at close range.

SOURCE: sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com

Multiple California Agencies Add AStars

Four California law enforcement agencies took delivery of H125 AStars in January. Airbus Helicopters delivered the six H125s, including two each to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and one each to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Ontario Police Department.

CHP took delivery of its fourth and fifth H125s, part of a five-year contract to upgrade its fleet. CHP has been flying AS350-series helicopters for 30 years, and the new hoist-equipped H125s have performed numerous rescues across California. Hangar One Avionics in Carlsbad, CA, performed completion services for the aircraft.

LAPD recently took delivery of its second H125, part of a multi-year contract to upgrade the department’s fleet of AS350 B2 helicopters. LAPD Air Support Division, customers of Airbus Helicopters for 25 years, operates its AStars 17,000 to 18,000 hours per year.

The Ontario Police Department, a customer of Airbus Helicopters for 15 years, took delivery of its first H125, an addition to its fleet of two AS350 B2s. Hangar One is performing completion services on the helicopter, expected to be in-service in spring of 2016. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office recently took delivery of two H125s after they were completed by Hangar One.

SOURCE: Airbus Helicopters

California Man Arrested for Lasing Police

A 19-year-old Burbank, CA, man was arrested in mid-January after allegedly pointing a green laser at a police helicopter three times, temporarily blinding the pilot. The Glendale and Burbank police helicopter was assisting on a burglary call when the pilot reported the cockpit was struck twice by the laser, 30 seconds apart, according to Burbank Police Sergeant Claudio Losacco.

The pilot and tactical flight officer tracked the laser to its source and were hit a third time, temporarily blinding the pilot, who was able to maintain control of the aircraft, Losacco said. The man was apprehended by ground officers and arrested on suspicion of pointing a laser at an aircraft. Police seized the laser pointer during the investigation, and the man was released after posting $20,000 bail. He is due in court in February.

SOURCE: www.latimes.com

Textron Aviation Acquires Able Engineering & Component Services

Textron Aviation Inc. has completed the acquisition of Able Engineering & Component Services Inc. and Able Aerospace Inc., an industry-leading repair and overhaul company. Able provides component repairs, component exchanges and replacement parts, among other support and service offerings, for commercial rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft customers around the world.

“This is a natural fit for Textron. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to enhance MRO capabilities and broaden our already world-class service offerings,” said Scott Ernest, Textron Aviation’s president and CEO. “We believe Able adds tremendous value for aircraft parts and maintenance that will reduce lead time for aircraft parts and increase aircraft availability. We are proud to have them join the Textron family.”

Founded in 1982, Able is an international aerospace enterprise that has developed over 2,800 unique proprietary FAA-approved repairs on aircraft components, and is a preferred MRO provider to helicopter fleets and airlines worldwide.

“We are very excited about joining the Textron enterprise and the benefits it will bring to our customers,” said Lee Benson, CEO of Able Engineering & Component Services Inc. “We’ve been working very closely together over the past year to ensure the acquisition by Textron is beneficial to all our stakeholders, and are proud to see our efforts come to fruition.”

U.K.Testing Says UAS Is A Viable Alternative

More than one quarter of the 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales have begun making plans to use camera-equipped unmanned aircraft systems after the successful completion of a pilot program in the U.K. convinced law enforcement officials the devices are a worthy alternative to helicopters, canines and traditional foot patrols. National guidelines for the use of UAS in the U.K. are being drawn up, but the devices are expected to be reserved for the most critical missions.

In a statement, the National Police Chiefs' Council said the program will be overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority and that flight paths will be restricted by existing airspace regulation over places like airports, highways and seaports. If the program is a success, the British government may consider whether expanded UAS use could “enhance operational capability in law enforcement and counterterrorist work, including support for emergency response or for public order events.”

SOURCE: www.washingtontimes.com

Maryland Police Aviators Remembered After 30 Years

Maryland State Police (MSP) Corporal Gregory May and Trooper First Class Carey Poetzman died in a helicopter crash while returning from a medical transport 30 years ago. They were remembered in a memorial in mid-January.

The NTSB crash report 30 years ago determined the cause of the accident to be the pilot's continued flight into deteriorating weather conditions. As a result, Maryland State Police upgraded the Bell Ranger helicopters in its fleet to Dauphin aircraft. Additional changes included increased experience for pilots, upping the requirement to 2,000 helicopter flight hours, as well as a fully automated dispatch center and safety reporting system. Now, three decades later, MSP has retired the Dauphin aircraft in favor of new AW139s.

SOURCE: www.abc2news.com

Local Donation Helps Aviation Unit’s Emergency Response Capability

The Lake County (IN) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit received a $20,000 donation from NIPSCO to help with emergency response improvements. The money will go toward repairs, recertification and training for the agency's helicopter rescue hoist. The gas and electric company donated the funds to allow the Lake County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit to rescue survivors in areas where a helicopter cannot land and give traditional rescue techniques prolonged response and rescue time.

"We'll be able to respond, provide care and remove a survivor in a quick and safe manner," said Jamie Hicks, the department's crew chief mechanic. "With this equipment and training, we'll be able to further assist our officers during critical incidents." The aviation unit provides air support for all agencies in Northwest Indiana.

SOURCE: Lake County Sheriff's Dept.

Massachusetts State Police Finds Hiker With Infrared Camera

Aided by an infrared imaging system, the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing tracked down a 22-year-old woman who became lost while hiking on New Year’s Day. The Air Wing deployed a rescue helicopter crew in the early afternoon that was able to locate the lost hiker and direct personnel from the local fire department to her location later that night. She was then escorted out of the woods to safety.

The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing’s infrared imaging system was in the news in 2013 when the technology helped locate the Boston Marathon bomber hiding in a Watertown boat. Images from the camera were used to direct ground forces to the notorious suspect.

SOURCE: www.securitysales.com

Brothers Charged for Pointing Lasers at Florida Aircrew

Two brothers are facing charges after they allegedly pointed lasers at the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter while on patrol. The 25- and 22-year-old are each charged with one felony charge of misuse of laser devices, as well as marijuana-related charges.

According to sheriff’s office reports, two deputies were in flight patrolling an area when they noticed red and green lights hitting the helicopter. The pilots were able to pinpoint the source of the lights and directed ground officers to a home. The brothers initially denied having pointed the lasers at the helicopter but confessed after they learned they were caught on video. Both lasers were found on the home's porch. In addition to the misuse of a laser charge, deputies found about four grams of marijuana and a large marijuana plant.

SOURCE: www.bradenton.com

California Prepares New UAS Laws

Two California lawmakers recently introduced bills that would regulate unmanned aircraft systems in the state. One of the new state laws would require “tiny physical or electronic license plates” and inexpensive insurance, and a second bill would compel UAS pilots involved in incidents to leave their contact information, similar to what drivers must do following auto accidents. The proposed laws are in response to a series of mishaps involving UAS.

The first bill, which was authored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale), would require UAS pilots to hold “inexpensive ($1, or so) insurance policies sold at the point-of-sale.” A press release compared it to automobile insurance. The second bill, written by Assemblyman Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park), aims to counter “hit and run” UAS accidents.

SOURCE: www.uasvision.com

Oman Police Aviation Rescues Trekkers

Oman Police Aviation rescued eight men after they became lost trekking in Jebel Al Akdhar in late January. A rescue helicopter transported the Omanis to Jebel Al Akhdar health center, where they were found to be in stable condition, according to a statement from the Royal Oman Police.

Jebel Al Akhdar is the country’s highest mountain at over 10,000 feet. More than 20 individuals reportedly were rescued after they went missing on the mountain in 2015. Some of them sustained medium to severe injuries after they fell down in the rugged terrain.

SOURCE: www.gulfnews.com

San Bernardino Department Applies to Use UAS

The San Bernardino (CA) Police Department has applied for Federal Aviation Administration clearance to operate unmanned aircraft systems and is set to buy a UAS, according to Police Chief Jarrod Burguan. The cost is estimated to be $6,000 to $7,000, below the threshold that requires direct council approval. Burguan said he wanted to be transparent about the process because of potential public unease. He said the vehicle would be used to take crime scene photos, in limited search-and-rescue operations, to check warehouse rooftops when silent alarms go off and in high-risk vehicle stops.

SOURCE: www.sbsun.com 

Did you know that APSA presents 7 awards and 18 scholarships totaling $42,000 annually? It’s that time of year again! APSA is now accepting award nominations and scholarship applications for 2016 through May 1. Scholarship recipients and award winners will be announced during APSA EXPO 2016 in Savannah, GA. The scholarships will be presented during the General Membership Meeting July 21, and the awards will be presented during the Awards Reception on July 22. For full details and to submit nominations and applications, visit http://alea.org/recognition/awards-scholarships-summary.

Florida Agency Adds New AStar

The Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit has taken delivery of a new H125 AStar. When completed, the aircraft will increase the Lee County AStar fleet from two to three helicopters. The aviation unit performs a variety of missions, including law enforcement patrol and searches for lost and missing persons. The agency will have a hoist installed on the new H125 to enhance its search and rescue capabilities.

The aviation unit recently reacquired its older AStar after it underwent a 12-year inspection at Airbus Helicopters’ maintenance and repair facility in Grand Prairie, TX. The 12-year inspection, which includes new enhancements, Federal Aviation Administration mandated upgrades and a factory paint job, resets FAA maintenance cycle times.

SOURCE: www.rotor.org

Airport Board Approves New Pennsylvania Police Hangar

A bi-county airport board has approved the new Pennsylvania State Police hangar at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. The board approved a 15-year lease with MBC Development LP of Schuylkill Haven to build a hangar that will house a police helicopter on the general aviation side of the airport. Under the terms of the lease, the developer will pay $2,000 a month to the airport and a one-time fee of $22,000 to purchase hangar plans. MBC will have two separate five-year extension options. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall.

The state police last March solicited bids to relocate the aircraft from Hazleton, where it has been located for more than 40 years. The department said it wants its five aviation patrol units strategically positioned across the state and believes the airport provides a good location for regional responses. The bid specifications stated the hangar would be located within a one-mile radius of the airport.

SOURCE: www.timesleader.com 

Tucson Unit Back Flying; Improvements Made

The Tucson (AZ) Police Department (TPD) grounded its air support for two weeks after an audit showed the level of risk for the air support unit was classified as high. However, TPD officials stressed the air unit had an impeccable safety record.

Sgt. Pete Dugan, a department spokesman, confirmed the issues had been addressed and that the three department helicopters and airplane were cleared to fly. In 2015, complaints made by air support employees about the unit’s operation and policies were brought to the police chief’s attention, causing the department to request an external audit.

The audit report, which was completed in November, concluded the department needed to take any necessary steps “to neutralize what is perceived by an outsider as a toxic operational culture within the unit that goes beyond simple personality conflicts between individuals.”

SOURCE: www.tuscon.com

Brevard County Aviation Assists on Arrest

The Brevard County (FL) Sheriff’s Office recently assisted in tracking down two robbery suspects. The pursuit was captured in a video available here: www.spacecoastdaily.com/2016/01/video-rockledge-police-bust-armed-home-invasion-suspects-with-help-of-bcso-aviation-unit

The suspects, 18- and 19-year-old males, were apprehended and sent to the Brevard County Jail. Ground officers made the arrest with direction from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. The suspects were charged with robbery, home invasion, false imprisonment and theft after allegedly committing a home invasion robbery at gunpoint.

SOURCE: www.spacecoastdaily.com 

U.K. Man Arrested for Lasing Police

A National Police Aviation Service (NPAS) helicopter was struck by a green laser in late January while flying above Bristol (U.K.). Despite the distraction of the light, the pilot managed to control the aircraft and track down the suspects. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of endangering an aircraft following the incident. NPAS Chief Pilot Paul Watts said lasers targeting aircraft is a dangerous and increasingly common problem in the U.K.

SOURCE: www.bristolpost.co.uk 

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during January 2016:

Corporate Members

Aeryon Labs
Blue Sky Network LLC
Clearfix Aerospace
EDMO Distributors, Inc.
Global Aviation Helicopter LLC
NMotion UAS
Project Lifesaver International

Individual Members

Matthew Alexander, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Steven Atwell, Leon County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Luis Badia, Florida Highway Patrol Aviation Section
Martin Briseno, San Antonio (TX) Police Department Helicopter Detail
Barry Brown, Florida Department Of Law Enforcement
Vincent Curry, ATF (FL)
Michael Duncan, Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department Aviation Unit
Yancy Green, Denton (TX) Police Department
Rebekah Gregory, Savannah-Chatham (GA) Metro Police Department
Jeff Hemerson, Anaheim (CA) Police Department Air Support
Matthew Jackson, Savannah-Chatham (GA) Metro Police Department
Carol Jacoby, City of Lakewood (CA)
Janet Kim, Los Angeles (CA) Police Department
Richard King, Gwinnett County (GA) Police Department Aviation Unit
Tim Knueven, Rocket City Helicopters
Haiko Kroeze, Dutch MOD
Edward Mohn, Air One
Brandon Moss, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
David Power, California Highway Patrol
Steven Roe, Fontana (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Steven Selvia, Cobb County (FL) Police Department
Mike Shafer, Independent Member
Greg Villanueva, Fresno County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Emory Wallace, San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aerial Support Detail
Kenneth Webb, Fresno (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Jeffrey Williams, Durham Regional Police Service (ON, Canada)
Alexander Wilson, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Indianapolis to Host 2016 Midwest Region Safety Seminar

The Indianapolis (IN) Metro Police Department Aviation Section will host the 2016 Midwest Region Safety Seminar from March 22 to 24. The seminar, offered free of charge for all active APSA members and covering a range of topics through training classes and roundtable discussions, will be held at the historic Crown Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station.

Registration for the event, which will feature the latest aviation products and technology in a mini-tradeshow, is now open. The deadline to reserve a room at the discounted group rate is March 8. Visit www.alea.org/2016-midwest-region-safety-seminar-indianapolis-in or contact Region Director Delon Freund at dfreund@PublicSafetyAviation.org for more information.