APSA E-Newsletter : 2017 March

Welcome!

APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to bring you the latest on news and events within the public safety aviation community. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website.

APSA Shares Safety Commitment; Exhibits at HELI-EXPO 2017

The Helicopter Association International’s 67th annual convention took place March 6-9 in Dallas, TX. Attendees of HAI’s HELI-EXPO got the opportunity to see new rotorcraft on display as well as a myriad of products and services offered by the exhibiting manufacturers, suppliers and industry groups.  

Sharing the benefits of public safety aviation as well as APSA's training, networking, advocacy and educational programs with attendees visiting the APSA booth were Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach, President Steve Roussell, Central Region Director Ryan Miller, Training Program Manager Don Roby, and Operations Manager Benay Osborne. Safety Program Manager Bryan Smith and Aeromedical Liaison Dudley Crosson instructed several classes throughout the expo. Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission Executive Director Jim Di Giovanna was also on hand promoting the benefits of accreditation. 

“HELI-EXPO, being the premier helicopter event in the world, provides great exposure for APSA. We have exhibited annually for at least 26 years, and during that time APSA and HAI have developed a strong partnership,” said APSA Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach. “APSA members have taken an active role in HAI committees, educational programs and oversight to the benefit of our members and public safety aviation worldwide.”

Schwarzbach also made a presentation to the Helicopter Rescue and Response Association during their 2017 Helicopter Rescue Summit, held in conjunction with HELI-EXPO, updating them on current APSA events and initiatives. 

SOURCE: APSA

LAPD Begins Helicopter Fleet Replacement

The Los Angeles (CA) Police Department Air Support Division will add four new Airbus H125 AStars this year as part of a long-term plan to upgrade its entire patrol helicopter fleet. LAPD Captain Sean Parker said the H125 proved to be the most suitable replacement for the division’s AS350 B2s. “The H125 was the best fit for us for numerous reasons,” he said. “The pricing is competitive. The platform suits LAPD’s missions well, and we are satisfied with the reliability of the aircraft.”

Two of the H125s have been delivered and are currently undergoing completion. Two more are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter this year. LAPD plans to purchase additional aircraft in future years to complete replacement of its patrol helicopter fleet, Parker said.

SOURCE: Airbus Helicopters Inc.

AOPA Opens to UAS Pilots

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in late February voted to allow membership by unmanned aircraft pilots, reversing long-held opposition. The association said the new line of membership options for UAS pilots is intended to embrace the community and “unite manned and unmanned pilots for the common purpose of safe integration of all users.”

“Dividing manned from unmanned aviators would rob both of many benefits and create unnecessary conflict,” AOPA President Mark Baker said. “We believe we are stronger as a united community and welcome these new pilots with hope that our common goals of safety and freedom to fly will be achieved together.”

FAA estimates it will certify 1.3 million UAS pilots by 2020. Within just a few years, they will outnumber pilots of manned aircraft by two to one. AOPA said it would offer an online UAS pilot training course to prepare applicants for the FAA knowledge test and feature UAS demos and seminars at its regional fly-ins.

SOURCE: www.avweb.com

U.S. Helicopter Accident Rate Continues Downward Trend

Accident rates for the U.S. civil helicopter industry fell again in 2016.  Preliminary data shows last year’s accident rate was 3.19 per 100,000 flight hours, compared to an accident rate in 2015 of 3.67. The 13 percent decrease continues a downward trend in helicopter accidents since 2013 and maintains an improving safety record for the industry.

The fatal accident rate remained statistically the same year-over-year but was considerably lower than the 2016 goal set by the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST). Comparing 2016 with 2013, when the USHST industry-government partnership was created, total civil helicopter accidents have decreased by 27 percent and fatal accidents have been cut by 43 percent.

SOURCE: United States Helicopter Safety Team

APSA Presents at Virginia Public Safety UAS Summit

A number of unmanned aircraft systems companies and public safety users met in Virginia in late February to network and discuss law enforcement and emergency service UAS missions. The Piedmont Virginia Community College and Virginia Department of Emergency Management teamed up to host the UAS Drone Summit, and the Airborne Public Safety Association presented at the event. Organizers said the conference was one of the first of its kind and marked a significant step in keeping people in Virginia safe.

“Virginia is proud to host this important event to enhance public safety efforts through the use of unmanned aircraft systems,” Governor McAuliffe said prior to the event. “The Commonwealth’s public safety agencies continue to use the latest technology to enhance their efforts to keep our citizens safe. This conference will allow them to share the best practices around this emerging technology.”

The three-day summit included workshops, breakout sessions, networking events and a full day dedicated to scenario demonstrations and training. In addition to APSA, presenters included representatives from the National Association for Search and Rescue, the Center for Robotic-Assisted Search and Rescue, the National Weather Service, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Florida State University’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

SOURCE: www.nbc29.com

Australian National Police Launches UAS Program

The New South Wales (NSW) Police in Australia have been using unmanned aircraft systems for the past six months to police fisherman, primarily ensuring they wear lifejackets, and more recently deployed them to help rescue lost hikers. The NSW government has reportedly become a leader in using UAS for natural resource management.

“It’s much more efficient to use a UAS than to deploy a police vessel,” Senior Sergeant Chris Morgan said. “We’ve had it six months but we don’t use it daily—it’s not a toy.” The department confirmed it has 37 licensed pilots with another four officials about to conduct their training.

SOURCE: www.theaustralian.com.au

APSA Members Honored During HAI’s Salute to Excellence Awards

For more than 50 years, Helicopter Association International (HAI) has encouraged and celebrated the highest standards of professionalism within the helicopter industry through its Salute to Excellence Awards. These awards honor those pilots, maintenance technicians, operators, and others who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence that has enriched the international helicopter community.

Longtime APSA member, instructor and 2016 Robert L. Cormier Award recipient Jack H. Schonely earned the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Salute to Excellence MD Helicopters Law Enforcement Award. APSA Safety Program Manager and Instructor Bryan Smith earned HAI’s Salute to Excellence BLR Aerospace Safety Award.

Jack Schonely began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff in Berks County, Pennsylvania, before moving to Los Angeles in 1983 and joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He worked as a tactical flight officer in LAPD’s Air Support Division, coordinating tactical operations from a helicopter that involved foot pursuits and perimeter containments. He witnessed the changes in daily police work firsthand and did exhaustive research on suspect tactics, culminating in his book, Apprehending Fleeing Suspects: Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment. Schonely served as chief tactical flight officer and later a command pilot, where he served until his retirement in June 2016.

Bryan Smith has dedicated countless hours to developing and advocating safety solutions for pilots and operators worldwide. A pilot since 1992, he flies for the Seminole County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, where he serves as safety officer and instructor pilot. He has flown both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft in law enforcement aviation for 11 years and has been a regular instructor at aviation events around the world for the last eight years.

Smith is also APSA’s Safety Program Manager and works on the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team (USHST), where he has chaired the Safety Management System (SMS) Working Group and served on the Flight Training Working Group. He works as an instructor in aviation safety and SMS, law enforcement tactics, flight training, accident response planning, and unit management and marketing strategies.

Congratulations to APSA members Jack H. Schonely and Bryan Smith for their respective honors.

SOURCE: www.rotor.org

California Man Appears in Court for 2015 Laser Offense

A 28-year-old man made his first appearance in federal court in mid-February for striking an in-flight Ontario (CA) Police Department helicopter with a hand-held laser in 2015. On Feb. 21 that year, the helicopter crew was patrolling a park when the laser beam struck the cockpit, causing a member of the flight crew to become momentarily dazed.

In his plea agreement, the man admitted he knew it was dangerous and distracting to shoot the laser at the helicopter. He is expected to plead guilty and will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. He will also be subject to FAA penalties.

SOURCE: www.sbsun.com

Hungarian National Police Deploys Five New Helicopters

The Hungarian National Police has taken delivery of five MD 902 Explorer helicopters. The aircraft will be added to the department’s three MD 500Es and replace an aging Mi-2 fleet. The acquisition will make the Hungarian National Police one of the largest fleet operators of MD Helicopters aircraft in Eastern Europe. The air support unit focuses primarily on national security, helping secure borders and providing ground and air support where necessary.

The Hungarian National Police’s MD 902s are equipped with night vision, three-axis autopilot, TCAS, digital video, high performance surveillance equipment and cargo hooks permitting 3,000 pounds of external load hoisting. Powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207E engines, the MD 902 features a fully articulated main rotor system, bearingless composite flex beams and rotor hub.

SOURCE: MD Helicopters

APSA Now Accepting 2017 Award Nominations & Scholarship Applications

For over 40 years, the Airborne Public Safety Association has encouraged the highest standards of professionalism in public safety aviation by acknowledging outstanding performance within our specialized industry.  Annually, we present seven awards to recognize excellence by our members and others whose actions have had a positive impact on our profession. To honor the academic achievements of our members’ children, we offer 18 scholarships totaling $43,000.

APSA is now accepting award nominations and scholarship applications for 2017. The submission deadline is May 1. Scholarship recipients and award winners will be announced during APSA EXPO 2017 in Reno, NV. The scholarships will be presented during the General Membership Meeting July 27, and the awards will be presented during the Awards Reception on July 28. For full details and to submit nominations and applications, visit http://alea.org/awards-scholarships-citations.

Florida Fire Department First in State to Launch UAS

The Madeira Beach (FL) Fire Department has become the first firefighting unit in Florida to implement an unmanned aircraft systems program. Used primarily to conduct reconnaissance missions in maritime operations, the department operates a DJI Phantom and Inspire.

Reports indicate the UAS have already saved the department resources, being deployed to help rescue a lost kayaker and on a surveillance mission for a call of a suspicious object in the water. Fire Chief Derryl O’Neal is currently the unit’s only licensed UAS operator, but another certificated pilot is on the way.

SOURCE: www.rotorandwing.com

Michigan Man to Face Federal Laser Charges; Legislation Proposed for State Penalties

A Michigan State Police helicopter was flying a routine patrol over Detroit when a laser struck it on Feb. 24. Minutes later, a man was arrested for the crime. Authorities said he would face federal charges.

Lieutenant Mike Shaw, a Michigan State Police spokesman, said, “it’s very easy to see where a laser comes from and, that within about 20 minutes, Highland Park police located and arrested the suspect." Police were able to hold the man because he had warrants out for his arrest. He was then turned over to the FBI and confessed to shining the laser at the police helicopter and four other aircraft landing at Detroit Metro Airport on the same day.

Because the laser incident is a matter of federal law rather than state, it presents “an extra cog we have to go through,” Shaw said, in prosecuting the case. That’s why state police testified on Feb. 28 in favor of House Bill 4063, which is sponsored by State Rep. Laura Cox, R-Livonia, and House Bill 4064, which is sponsored by State Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Potterville. If passed into law, those measures would create an anti-laser point law in Michigan, allowing such cases to be prosecuted locally rather than at the federal level. HB 4063 would make intentionally striking an aircraft with a laser a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

SOURCE: www.detroitnews.com

New York Unit to Buy UAS as Part of Tech Upgrade

The Suffolk County (NY) Police Department is in the process of purchasing two unmanned aircraft systems capable of providing investigators an aerial view of crime scenes, car accidents and emergency situations. The department believes the devices will cut down on traffic tie-ups and save money.

The UAS are part of a number of technological upgrades for the department. The models being considered are the DJI Phantom 4 and Inspire 1. They are expected to cost about $2,000 each and be purchased with asset forfeiture funds. The investment is part of what Commissioner Timothy Sini describes as the year of technology. “It’s very important to be on the cutting edge of new technology,” he said. “New technology is an opportunity to make the department more effective, more efficient and ultimately save the taxpayer money.”

SOURCE: www.newsday.com

Two California Men Arrested for Laser Incident

Two men suspected of striking a Riverside County (CA) Sheriff’s Department helicopter with a laser device were arrested in mid-February. The pilot of the helicopter reported the cockpit was “illuminated several times by a high-powered laser device from a distance of one mile away,” according to Sergeant Mike Koehler. Deputies later located the suspects, a 30-year-old and 33-year-old, and arrested them. The suspects were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and were being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.

SOURCE: www.mynewsla.com

Police Helicopter Helps Apprehend Teen Who Shot at Police

An Omaha (NE) Police Department Helicopter was crucial in catching a teen that admitted to shooting at a Nebraska State Patrol trooper in late February. The 17-year-old’s bond was set at $1 million at his first court appearance, where he was charged with four counts, including assault on an officer.

The 17-year-old, who reportedly has a history of run-ins with the law, flashed a gun during a 90 mile-per-hour chase before he allegedly fired up to four times at the trooper. Omaha police tried to use stop sticks, but the department’s Able-1 helicopter had to pick up the chase when they failed. Deputy Chief David Baker said it was the difference between an escape and capture.

"The Omaha Police helicopter is critical in pursuits even if it's not there initially," he said. "The helicopter, undoubtedly, makes any police pursuit and life in general much safer for the citizens of Omaha by its presence above."

SOURCE: www.ketv.com

 APSA Online Meetings: March Schedule

Meetings are conducted through an online conference call you can join using your computer, device or phone. Online meetings are open to any APSA member. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@PublicSafetyAviation.org.

For March 2017, an online meeting for Safety Officers will be conducted Tuesday, March 14 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC); for maintenance technicians on Tuesday, March 28 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC); and for UAS operators on Wednesday, March 29 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC). Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well.

Georgia Unit Receives FAA UAS Authorization

The Morrow (GA) Police Department recently received FAA authorization to operate unmanned aircraft systems. The department is now operating one UAS to aid in law enforcement efforts within the city of Morrow, and Chief James Callaway said he hopes to purchase a second unmanned aircraft later this year or early next.

Callaway said the new technology has already proven useful, having been used in a successful missing person search. “Morrow Police go to great lengths to serve our citizens,” Callaway said. “Several people came in on their off day, and no one complains. We have a job to do.”

Callaway anticipates the department will use the UAS in future missing person operations, as well as in foot chases within city limits. The aircraft will also help officers patrol the parking lots of some of Morrow’s busiest commercial areas.

SOURCE: www.news-daily.com

CHP Saves Missing, Freezing Snowboarder

A California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Air Operations helicopter airlifted a snowboarder to safety after he was stranded while skiing out-of-bounds at the Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. After a night on the mountain in freezing conditions, the CHP helicopter crew and a Calstar aircraft were able to locate the man by dividing the search area. The Calstar helicopter found the snowboarder and called for the CHP unit to remove the victim from the area.

The CHP helicopter reportedly lowered a search and rescue team member next to the victim to place him in a harness. The victim was then hoisted to the helicopter and flown back to the command post. The victim was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of cold-related injuries.

SOURCE: www.sacbee.com 

Snipers, Police Helicopter Help Secure Netanyahu’s Australia Trip

Snipers and a New South Wales Police Service helicopter were on hand when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Australia for an official four-day visit in late February. As Netanyahu and his wife disembarked from their airplane, NSW’s POLAIR chopper monitored their movements, and the snipers were perched atop nearby buildings. The dignitaries were then escorted from the airport by dozens of police officers on motorbikes. It was not known whether the heavy police contingent was working to prevent a specific or general threat.

SOURCE: www.9news.com.au

Australian Student Fined for Flying UAS Near Police Helicopter

An Australian University student recently received a $900 fine for flying an unmanned aircraft system close to a New South Wales police helicopter conducting a rescue operation in the Blue Mountains. NSW Police encountered the UAS in September 2016 while flying low during the search, and ground forces were able to apprehend the 25-year-old operator.

The man was fined and counseled regarding previous flights that breached UAS safety regulations, according to the national Civil Aviation Authority. A spokesman for the agency said UAS “must never be flown in way that could create a hazard to people, property or aircraft.”

SOURCE: www.news.com.au

California City Stays in Sky Knight Program

The City of Cerritos, CA, in mid-February elected to continue its participation in the Sky Knight Helicopter program after putting its fate up for consideration last October. The airborne law enforcement collaborative was created by the City of Lakewood in 1966, and six cities shared its costs: Lakewood, Cerritos, Artesia, Bellflower, Hawaiian Gardens and Paramount. Only the first two remain part of the program today. Had Cerritos exited, Lakewood would have been left to shoulder the financial burden alone.

Reports show Cerritos pays $21,000 per month to participate in Sky Knight, and any unscheduled maintenance or uninsured physical damage to the aircraft is shared. The program upgraded to two Robinson Helicopter Co. R-44s configured for law enforcement during the past fiscal year. Cerritos contributed a one-time payment of $137,700 to the purchase. The aircraft are based at Long Beach Airport and fly about 1,010 hours a year. Lakewood employs one full-time civilian pilot and a deputy sheriff observer for the program.

SOURCE: www.rotorandwing.com

North Wales Police in U.K. Adds UAS Capability

The U.K.’s North Wales Police will begin using unmanned aircraft systems this spring. The department expects to use the aircraft for missing person searches, managing crime and collision scenes and responding to emergencies such as flooding and live shooter situations.

The UAS will include thermal imaging capability. “North Wales Police will develop the use of drones for policing operations,” said Gareth Pritchard, North Wales’ Deputy Chief Constable. “Drones provide good value for money and replace helicopters in certain cases.” A total of 15 officers will be trained to ensure compliance to Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

SOURCE: www.newsnorthwales.co.uk

Florida Man Arrested for Shining Laser at Sheriff’s Helicopter

The Volusia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office arrested a 38-year-old man accused of shining a laser light into the cockpit of a Sheriff’s helicopter on Feb. 26. The pilot, who was using night vision goggles, radioed his aircraft was being hit with the laser light and that he could see the suspect. Police on the ground found the man with the pilot’s help and took the suspect into custody. The man later told his father where police could find the laser and confessed to the crime. He has been charged with a felony.

SOURCE: www.palmbeachpost.com

FDLE to Equip King Air with Streaming Video/Data Mission Suite

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) selected CNC Technologies last month to deploy an aerial video and data streaming mission suite on the FDLE’s King Air 350 multi-engine aircraft. The FDLE King Air 350 allows this agency to provide statewide aerial support to federal, state and local agencies during natural disasters, counter-terrorism efforts, and criminal investigations.

"We will be equipping the FDLE’s King Air 350 with everything it needs to have reliable HD video and meta-data communications while airborne,” said Ron Magocsi, one of CNC Technologies’ founders. "This will provide first responders from all levels of government with access to the unparalleled ‘eyes above’ situational awareness that only a camera-equipped aircraft like the King Air 350 can provide during manmade and natural emergencies.”

SOURCE: CNC Technologies

Maryland Helicopters Back in Air After Grounding

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command was forced to ground 10 helicopters briefly in late January when cracks were found in the paint on the tail rotor blades of two aircraft. State police spokesman Greg Shipley told local media the problem was first discovered on one of the Leonardo AW139 helicopters during a Jan. 9 inspection, but an inspector determined the cracks didn't extend beyond the paint. When cracked paint was found on a second helicopter Jan. 29, the state police aviation commander ordered the entire fleet grounded.

Inspections by engineers from Leonardo had all of the aircraft back in the air by Feb. 3. “There are four blades on each tail rotor of each helicopter, and the inspections have been conducted,” Shipley said at the time. “Twelve blades have been taken back to the manufacturer.” Those that passed were reinstalled on the aircraft.

SOURCE: www.baltimore.cbslocal.com  and www.wbal.com

NYPD Aviation Highlighted in Local News Outlet Video

The New York (NY) Police Department Aviation Unit, founded in 1928 to respond to emergencies and assist other NYPD units, was highlighted in a feature video by the city’s ABC affiliate in late February. The Eyewitness News team said the footage was from “where they've never been allowed before, offering exclusive access on the ground and in the skies to get a first-hand look at what these elite pilots do to keep [citizens] safe.” See the video here: http://abc7ny.com/news/exclusive-inside-the-nypds-aviation-unit/1777593/.

SOURCE: www.abc7ny.com

Zambia Police Service Sets Up New Air Wing

Twenty officers from the Zambia Police Services (ZPS) will travel to the United States where they will undergo training in specialized aviation and aerial policing methods at the Albuquerque Police Department in New Mexico. The Zambian government recently approved plans to set up a specialized police air wing, which is expected to improve the operational capabilities of the force by adding aerial policing to its operations.

In a statement issue after a meeting in which he discussed the training program with Albuquerque Police Department, ZPS Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja said the government had allocated funds for the acquisition of all necessary equipment to ensure the successful establishment of the police air wing.

“The idea of establishing the Zambia Police Service Air Wing has reached an advanced stage. Cabinet has already authorized the recruitment of new officers who will serve under this wing. The construction of an aircraft hangar and the acquisition of helicopters are already under way, with the full support of the government," Kanganja said. However, he did not reveal the nature of the training program and the possible suppliers of the aircraft, saying work on the establishment of the air wing was mainly being done ‘behind closed doors.’ In January 2015, former deputy Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo announced the acquisition of three helicopters to improve police operations. No timeline was given for delivery.

SOURCE: www.DefenceWeb.com

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following individual members who joined during February 2017:

Corporate Members:

American Aerospace Technologies INC
Kropp Holdings, Inc. (KHI)
Poly-Fiber Enterprises d/b/a Atlanta Aerospace Composites
Traxxall Technologies, Inc.
Viper Drones
WGS Systems, LLC  

Individual Members:

Don Arvold, Ace Helicopters
Douglas Ball, University of Utah School of Medicine
Terry Basinger, Marysville (OH) Division of Police
John Bellochi, Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Ty Blasingame, California Highway Patrol Central Division
John Buell, Austin (TX) Police Department
Bobby Burgess, Metropolitan (DC) Police Department Air Support Unit
Eric Christenson, Drug Enforcement Administration (FL)
Matthew Crawford, Fort Wayne (IN) Police Department
Brian Edwards, Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Dept. Malibu/Lost Hills Station
Nathan Ellis, Michigan State Police
Stacy Ettel, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
John Franz, Hidalgo County (TX) Fire Marshal's Office
Chase Gorey, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit
Timothy Graham, Maryland State Police
Rajiv Gupta, Maryland State Police
John Harris, Columbus Police Department Helicopter Section
John Haydel, Osceola County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Patrick Herman, Michigan State Police Aviation Section
Jerry Hilborn, Michigan State Police Aviation Section
Richard Jimenez, Lake County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Christopher Kelenske, Michigan State Police Aviation Section
James Kelly, Metropolitan (DC) Police Department Air Support Unit
Ray Kenny, Michigan State Police Aviation Section
Coitt Kessler, Austin (TX) Fire Department
Patrick Linnehan, Maryland State Police
Heath Lowry, BLENDABLE Foundation
David Martel, Las Vegas (NV) Metro Police Department Air Support Section
Martin Miles, US Customs & Border Protection Air and Marine (AZ)
Charles Moggia, San Jose (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Jason Parker, Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit
Shane Pento, California Highway Patrol Office Of Air Operations
Jim Prince, Maryland State Police
Todd Reese, Clayton County (GA) Police Department
Thomas Sands, Michigan State Police Aviation Section
Mark Senior, Airbox Systems
Stephen Strickler, Jackson County (MS) Sheriff's Department Air-One
Frank Wasko, Columbus (OH) Police Department Helicopter Section
Charles Werner, Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management
Andrew Wilson, Maryland Natural Resources Police Aviation Division
Ian Wilson, Wildcat Helicopters and BC Air Rescue
Anthony Wrightsman, St. Johns County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit

2017 Northeast Region Safety Seminar; Registration Open

APSA's primary mission is to provide training to the world's airborne public safety professionals. Join us for our 2017 Northeast Region Safety Seminar in Annapolis, MD on May 2-4. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Police Aviation Unit will serve as host agency for the event, which is free to all active APSA members.

We have an excellent education agenda planned, encompassing fixed-wing, rotary and UAS use and legislation. Take part in workshops and classes, as well as experience the latest aviation products and services displayed in APSA’s corporate member exhibit area. The Pilot/TFO, Unit Commander and Safety Officer Roundtables are open to all attendees, regardless of their assignment.

You can pre-register to speed up your check-in at the safety seminar. Click here http://alea.org/2017-northeast-region-safety-seminar-annapolis-md , call 301.631.2406 or contact Region Director Dave McVey at dmcvey@PublicSafetyAviation.org for more information. The deadline to reserve a discounted room rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis is April 18, 2017 (use code ALE).