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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.

FAA’s UAS Registration Rule Effective Now

The Federal Aviation Administration recently finalized a web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms) including payloads such as onboard cameras. The FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System Registration Task Force delivered recommendations to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on Nov. 21, 2015. The rule incorporates many of the task force recommendations.

“Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiasts are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” Foxx said. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”

Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft. Under this rule, any owner of a small UAS who has previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to Dec. 21, 2015, must register no later than Feb. 19. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after Dec. 21, 2015, must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paper-based process or the new web-based system at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.  Upon completion of the registration process, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number for the UAS owner, which must be marked on the aircraft.

Additionally, the FAA released a new fact sheet on state and local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that provides information for states and municipalities considering laws or regulations addressing UAS use. The document outlines FAA's safety reasons for federal oversight of aviation and airspace, and explains federal responsibility in this area. Read the fact sheet at http://www.faa.gov/uas/regulations_policies/media/UAS_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf.

Also last month, the validity of the FAA’s new drone registry was challenged in federal court. The lawsuit was filed in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on December 24 by a model aircraft enthusiast/attorney concerned that the registration rules were illegal. He requested the Court to issue an order declaring that the FAA's registration rule is void and prohibited by Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. That request was denied, and the case will now proceed according to a schedule issued by the Court, with the next filing deadline of January 27.

SOURCE: FAA and Forbes.com

Fresno Sheriff Orders New MD 530F 

The Fresno County (CA) Sheriff’s Office ordered a new MD 530F helicopter in late December. Unanimously approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, the new MD 530F will offer the department greater horsepower, increased payload capability and reduced operating costs. Fresno County’s new MD 530F is expected to begin service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

“Cost of operation and increased capability were major factors in the decision to purchase this aircraft,” said Captain Robert Kandarian, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. “Our MD helicopters play an indispensable role in our ability to protect and serve the citizens of Fresno County. The increased performance and payload of the MD 530F, combined with the exponential reduction in our annual operation and maintenance costs, will increase both our effectiveness and efficiency in the execution of all law enforcement activities

Fresno County’s current helicopter fleet includes two MD 500E aircraft, named Eagle 1 and Eagle 2, which have been in service with the unit since 1997. Fresno County’s current helicopter fleet has logged 30,000 flight hours in the execution of search and rescue missions, pursuit and aerial surveillance in support of ground operations. The new MD 530F features the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine, extended landing gear, Fargo 21-gallon auxiliary fuel tank, wire strike protection system and Talon LC Keeperless hydraulic release cargo hook for external loads up to 2,000 pounds.

High-contrast main rotor blades, a new Spectrolab SX-16 searchlight and an NVISB interior will provide improved visibility for both officers and citizens during low-light operations. The cockpit configuration features the Garmin 500H EFIS flight display, Garmin GTN650H touchscreen GPS navigation and communications panel, Aero Computers UC-6000 airborne mapping system, Garmin GTS 800 Traffic Avoidance System and Garmin GTR 225 audio panel.

SOURCE: MD Helicopters, Inc.

Bird Strikes Up Among Law Enforcement, Other Helicopters

The crew of a Dallas (TX) Police Department helicopter was searching for a capsized boat last March when it suffered a severe bird strike. The pilot, Sergeant Todd Limerick, put a hand over one eye, his face covered in blood. He kept his other hand on the controls until the co-pilot, Corporal Laurent Lespagnol, took over and landed the aircraft.

Reports indicate helicopter bird strikes are up dramatically in recent years. In 2013, there were 204 reported helicopter bird strikes, a 68 percent increase from 2009, when there were 121 reports, and an increase of over 700 percent since the early 2000s, according to Gary Roach, an FAA helicopter safety engineer. The increase is due partly to greater awareness among pilots about the importance of reporting bird strikes, as well as to population growth among large bird species in North America.

FAA has suggested the solution may be to establish a special industry committee with government backing to examine whether there should be changes in the standards for helicopter construction and operation to better protect against bird strikes. The committee would also investigate whether technology is available to quickly disperse birds in the way of helicopters, possibly using strobe lights.

SOURCE:Associated Press

Arizona Agency Accepts Donated Aircraft

Yavapai County (AZ) Sheriff Scott Mascher recently accepted a Cessna T210M from Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Frank Milstead. "It's a big thing for us," Mascher said about the donated aircraft. "It saves time and it saves the taxpayers money."

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office will use the "new" six-seater 1977 Cessna for extradition of in- and out-of-state prisoners, replacing the four-seater Cessna 182 it has been flying for the past 30 years. DPS obtained that airplane through a Drug Enforcement Administration's drug seizure case.

SOURCE: www.dcourier.com

Take Safety Survey; Member Input Needed

APSA is conducting a safety survey during the month of January 2016. Your input will help the Association understand your safety needs. We will use this information to direct our safety program in 2016 and beyond in order to best serve the needs of APSA members. All responses are anonymous and will be retained only by APSA. To complete the survey, please go to http://alea.org/safety/alea-safety-survey#. If you have any questions, please contact APSA Safety Program Manager Bryan Smith at safety@PublicSafetyAviation.org.

South Florida Agency to Receive New H125

The Lee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office will expand law enforcement capability with the addition of a new Airbus Helicopters H125 AStar. The new H125 (formerly AS350 B3e), when completed, will increase the Lee County AStar fleet from two to three helicopters.

"The power and performance of the H125 will improve our unit’s capabilities and enable us to perform additional missions as we expand our fleet,” said Michael Warner, Aviation Division Commander for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We have a long relationship with Airbus Helicopters, and they have given us the support we need to keep our helicopters in the air.”

Lee County recently picked up an older AStar after it underwent a 12-year inspection at Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s maintenance and repair facility in Grand Prairie. The thorough 12-year inspection, which includes new enhancements, Federal Aviation Administration mandated upgrades and a factory paint job resets FAA maintenance cycle times.

SOURCE: Airbus

Did You Know? 

Did you know that APSA recently launched the new and improved online logo merchandise shop? The Hangar now has all of the logo-emblazoned fashions and gear members have come to love as well as many new items designed for you to show your APSA pride.The site includes t-shirts, polo shirts, outerwear, hats, women’s apparel, bags, gifts and more. Free shipping is available on all orders within the U.S. Visit the APSA Hangar today at http://aleahangaronline.com/.

FAA Issues LEAs Guidance for Suspected Unauthorized UAS Operations

There is evidence of a considerable increase in the unauthorized use of small and inexpensive Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). While the FAA retains the responsibility for enforcing Federal Aviation Regulations, including those applicable to the use of UAS, the agency also recognizes that state and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are often in the best position to deter, detect, immediately investigate, and, as appropriate, pursue enforcement actions to stop unauthorized or unsafe UAS operations.

The FAA’s Law Enforcement Guidance for Suspected Unauthorized UAS Operations is intended to support the partnership between the FAA and LEAs in addressing these activities. Frequently asked questions about enforcement policies can be found here as well as a guidance sheet if you suspect a UAS operation is unsafe or unauthorized.

SOURCE: FAA

Pasadena Police Invests in New Maintenance Stand

The Pasadena (CA) Police Department Helicopter Section recently commissioned a customized stand designed to enhance and improve its aircraft maintenance program. All Metal MS, a designer, engineer and manufacturer of custom maintenance stands, production line platforms, hangar equipment, portable field equipment and specialty tooling, in early November delivered a Model 400 stand to be used on Pasadena’s fleet of Bell 206 aircraft.

All Metal’s Model 400 stand is designed to support the Bell 206, 407, 429 and OH-58. “I was thoroughly impressed with the cleanliness, organizational safety procedures and the high level of efficiency that the Benedict Heliport Pasadena Police Department crew has implemented,” said Johnny Buscema, All Metal’s president and CEO, when asked about the delivery.

SOURCE: All Metal MS

European Safety Team Releases Risk Toolkit

The European Helicopter Safety Team (EHEST) has released a new risk assessment toolkit dubbed MARIA, which stands for My Assessment of Risks for Incidents and Accidents. The toolkit includes a methodology and database system to support safety studies and track hazards and other risk assessment elements. MARIA was developed by Captain Stefano Burigana, safety manager of corporate/VIP operator Elilombarda, and revised by the EHEST Operations and Safety Management System specialist team to assist operators in developing better risk assessment strategies. You can review at http://www.aviationtoday.com/categories/rotocraft/European-Safety-Team-Releases-Risk-Toolkit_86699.html#.Vo7N32ehqUk.

SOURCE: www.aviationtoday.com

CHP Helicopter Helps Rescue Snowmobilers

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter rescued two snowmobilers in late December after the men became stranded in deep snow and spent the night in the elements. Three friends embarked on the snowmobiling trip, and two became stuck when they rode into a canyon with deep powder. One of the men was forced to abandon his snowmobile.

The friend who had stayed behind made it off the trail and flagged down a passing vehicle. The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office launched a search and rescue mission and called for a CHP helicopter. The helicopter crew made contact with the stranded men, who were in good spirits, and directed ground crews to the area.

SOURCE: www.fox40.com

U.K.’s NPAS Invests in New Imaging Systems

The U.K. National Police Air Service (NPAS) has elected to outfit its newly procured P68 fixed-wing aircraft with four MX-10 electro-optical and infrared imaging systems by L-3 WESCAM. Austrian-based Airborne Technologies GmbH, the prime contractor and integrator for the NPAS fixed-wing program, will procure and integrate L-3’s MX-10 with displays, a moving map and a digital video recorder, and will downlink the integrated solution into its own Airborne LINX mission system. MX-10 deliveries to Airborne Technologies will begin in March.

Operating throughout England and Wales, NPAS’s MX-10s will be configured with 4-axis stabilization and a suite of advanced sensors, including a four field-of-view thermal imager, daylight continuous zoom TV, low-light continuous zoom TV and a 300 mm spotter. The system’s suite of MX-GEO technologies will provide geographical data and advanced tracking assistance. The MX-10 underwent extensive NPAS flight trials on both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms in 2014, which led to its selection in October 2014 for the high-profile NPAS EC135T2 helicopter upgrade program.

SOURCE: L-3  WESCAM

CHP Helicopter Has Close Call With UAS 

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter was searching for a stolen vehicle on Dec. 5, 2015, when it nearly collided with an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). CHP’s H-32 was approximately 750 feet above ground level when the crew’s attention was drawn to a red light directly in front of and at the same altitude as the helicopter. The light was determined to be on a UAS, and the CHP pilot veered to his right to avoid collision. The unmanned aircraft passed to the left of the helicopter at close range.

H-32 then circled back, located the UAS and illuminated it with its searchlight. The crew continued to follow the UAS until it landed. CHP identified the operator of the aircraft for possible prosecution for improper operation of the vehicle. After the evasive action, H-32 was unable to continue the original police call.

SOURCE: Federal Aviation Administration

Little Rock Police Gets Helicopter Upgrade

The Little Rock (AR) Police Department recently launched a helicopter it acquired in 2015 through the federal military surplus program. The 2001 Bell TH-67 Jet Ranger, dubbed "Air Three," has been upgraded to “top flying shape” in preparation for being put into service, according to Sergeant Roger Snook, unit supervisor.

The helicopter, which comes to Little Rock from the Fort Rucker U.S. Army post in Alabama, will replace "Air One," a 1972 Bell OH-58 the department purchased in the 1990s. Air One is being decommissioned and will be sold, Snook said. A second helicopter of the same make, model and year as Air One will remain in operation alongside the new aircraft. "This essentially will be used to assist patrol for any kind of emergency situations or civil disturbances, natural disasters—anything like that," said Bill Denio, a former police officer who is one of three pilots in the Little Rock Police Department Aviation Unit.

SOURCE: www.arkansasonline.com

HAI Names 2016 Law Enforcement Award, Other Award Winners

Helicopter Association International (HAI) recently announced that Lieutenant Pat Lawrence, chief pilot and commander of the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit, has won the 2016 MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award. Dana Kerrick, a longtime APSA member, won the association’s Bell Helicopter Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lawrence, who also earned APSA's Robert L. Cormier Award in 2015, was honored by HAI for rebuilding the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit, which was hit hard by the economic downturn of the late 2000s. Once a unit with five helicopters and three fixed-wing aircraft, it shrank after 2008 to just two helicopters and three pilots. Lawrence established a schedule to patrol Detroit, Flint and Saginaw on a nightly basis and flew more than 1,000 hours himself. A flight instructor in both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, Lawrence trained two new pilots in 2014 and established a tactical flight officer training program.

Kerrick has served the aviation industry for more than five and a half decades as a military and civilian maintenance specialist, civilian pilot, flight instructor, air taxi operator, pioneer in helicopter rotor blade composites and frequent instructor for courses to renew helicopter inspection authorization. He recently retired as vice president and cofounder of International Aviation Composites, Ltd. Kerrick is recognized as one of the foremost experts in rotor blade maintenance and has written extensively for numerous maintenance and aviation publications. He began his aviation career in the U.S. Air Force and reentered the civilian workforce in 1970 but didn’t discover helicopters until he turned 40. He is a pilot of both airplanes and rotorcraft and an FAA-approved inspection authorization renewal instructor.

Other winners of HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards were Randy Padfield, recently retired as the chief operating officer of Aviation International News (Lightspeed Aviation Excellence in Communications Award), Captain João Bosco Ferreira, a helicopter instructor who flew for the Brazilian Air Force in the 1970s and 1980s (W.A. “Dub” Blessing Award for Flight Instructor of the Year), Troy Lewis, area training manager for engine manufacturer Turbomeca USA (Rolls-Royce Excellence in Helicopter Maintenance Award), Eileen Frazer, executive director of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (Airbus Helicopters Golden Hour Award), Boston Area Helicopter IFR Infrastructure Team (BLR Aerospace Safety Award), the Italian Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard (Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award), and New Zealand–born freelance helicopter pilot Jason Laing (Appareo Pilot of the Year Award).

The 2016 Salute to Excellence Awards will be presented March 2, 2016 during HAI’s HELI-EXPO 2016 in Louisville, KY.

SOURCE: Helicopter Association International

U.K. Man Jailed for Lasing Police Helicopter

A U.K. man was recently sentenced for shining the beam of a laser at a Police Scotland helicopter last September. The 23-year-old forced the law enforcement aircrew to take evasive action when he directed his laser pen at the aircraft. In mid-December, a jury sentenced the man to serve one year in jail. The man’s lawyer admitted his client “should have known better” after the Clutha tragedy, in which 10 people were killed by a helicopter that crashed into a pub.

The Kilmarnock Sheriff Court was told officers on the helicopter were investigating a possible firearms incident when the man shone the laser. The crew used thermal imaging equipment to locate the culprits and found three men standing in a town garden. In court, the convicted man pleaded guilty to a charge of culpable and reckless conduct.

Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: "We strongly urge anyone who sees a laser being used against aircraft in their local area to contact the police immediately. These things are not toys, they pose a serious risk to all flight safety."

SOURCE: www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Alabama Unit Adds Helicopter for Holiday Patrols, Beyond

The Shelby County (AL) Sheriff's Office took to the sky in its new patrol chopper over the holiday season, monitoring traffic conditions, investigating suspicious activity and attempting to deter criminal activity. "The benefits…are countless," Sheriff John Samaniego said in a press release. "A patrol helicopter is not restricted by traffic congestion and can cover a lot of area in a short time span. The helicopter can fly low to deter criminal activity or fly high and provide crucial information to deputies below."

A total of four people are aboard the helicopter during each patrol: two deputies, a pilot and an observer. Captain Jeff Hartley, a former helicopter pilot for the Tuscaloosa Police Department who spent 24 years in the Air Force, has been named Shelby County’s primary pilot.

SOURCE: www.abc3340.com

Illinois State Police Says UAS Are a Success 

The Illinois State Police have flown unmanned aircraft systems in nearly 50 missions since May and recently said the aircraft have been a success, making the department more efficient. The department was the first law enforcement agency in Illinois to obtain permission to use unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles. They’ve mostly been deployed at accident scenes, for a total of 48 hours of flight time.

"Measurements that traditionally took several hours can be reduced to about 15-20 minutes to deploy the UAS technology, capture aerial photos and accurately document those scenes," said Captain Matt Davis, commander of the Illinois State Police’s crime scene services detail. "By opening up those roadways sooner, we reduce the possibility for secondary crashes or additional property damage or injury that can occur on the roadways."

The Illinois General Assembly approved legislation in 2013 that restricts when UAS can be used without a warrant. Footage gathered by the aircraft has to be destroyed within 30 days, except in certain circumstances, and it can’t be disclosed unless there’s reasonable suspicion the footage contains evidence of criminal activity.

SOURCE: www.news.stlpublicradio.org

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during December 2015:

Corporate Members:
Barfield, Inc.FMS Aerospace
FMS Aerospace
Hawk Enterprises, LLC
MotionDSP Inc.
Southeast Aerospace

Individual Members:
Jason Abel, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Richard Airlie, Bell Helicopters Textron Canada Ltd
Josh Arman, Polk County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Scott Beck, Kern County (CA) Fire Department
Wayne Burtis, U.S. Army
Patrick Crippen, Independent
Peri Duncan, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Hayden Gallof, Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Josh Gnesin, Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Billy Graham, Marshall County (AL) Sheriffs Department
Arthur Grassia, Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Brent Jex, Oakland County (MI) Sheriff Office
Patrick Jones, NTSB
Jon Lutz, Winnipeg Police Service (Canada)
Jeremy Maden, Washington State Patrol Aviation Unit
Hayward Michael, Harris County (TX) Sheriff's Office
Michael Nathan, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Brennan Reilly, Orbic Air
Boyd Rett, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Patrick Robinson, Maryland State Police
Christopher Simons, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Matt Spooner, Hernando County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Mike Woodward, Hernando County (FL) Sheriff's Office

Southeast Region Safety Seminar in Ocala Next Week