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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’s 49th Annual Conference & Exposition Lands Next Month in Omaha

APSCON 2019, the world’s largest public safety aviation conference and exposition, will be held July 15-20 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE. APSCON 2019 is filled with education and training options, including some of the best conference courses and classes in the industry presented by its leading experts. The exhibit hall, open July 17-19, will feature the latest, cutting-edge technologies, products and services available to public safety aviators. There will be plenty of time to learn from exhibitors, visit with peers and experience the flavor of Omaha.

APSCON 2019 registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors. Don’t delay, register online here. See you next month!

One Week Left: Enter Air Beat’s 2019 Photo Contest

Captured a great photo lately? Enter your best shots in Air Beat magazine's 2019 Photo Contest to win a GoPro HERO Black7 camera with memory. You’ve got to enter to win; the deadline is next Friday, June 14, so don’t delay entering.

To be eligible to enter, the photographer must be an APSA member in good standing, and the photos must have a public safety aviation element (aircraft, crew, mission, training, etc.) and include a caption. Entries are being accepted at www.airbeatmagazine.com. The more photos you submit, the greater your chances of winning. The grand prize will be awarded on July 18 during the General Membership Meeting at APSCON 2019 in Omaha, NE. The winner is not required to be present.

Kansas State Helicopter Returns to Skies

The Kansas Highway Patrol relaunched its helicopter, which had been grounded for two years due to an accident, in early May. “In July of 2017, there was a hard landing incident here at the hangar that damaged the helicopter,” said Captain Jason Vanderweide, a Kansas Highway Patrol pilot. “It’s been in the process ever since.” Two years ago, the Bell 407's tail rotor hit a hangar at Billard Airport, injuring the pilot and passenger and sending the helicopter to Texas for repairs. “We lost a lot of calls,” Vanderweide said. “There were a lot of agencies that needed assistance that we didn’t have the tool to provide them during that time.” The Kansas Highway Patrol also operates several fixed-wing airplanes and the only law enforcement helicopter in Kansas.

Texas Agency Purchases New Drone with Drug Seizure Funds

The Navarro County (TX) Sheriff’s Office purchased a new unmanned aircraft system to supplement its existing drone program in mid-May. The Mavic 2 Enterprise drone is equipped with a FLIR camera, spotlight, beacon strobe light and speaker, which allows the UAS operator to speak to lost or missing persons or give voice commands to suspects.

The Sheriff’s Office stated that other benefits of the new aircraft are its compact size, ability to be airborne quickly and indoor flight capability. NCSO points out that the UAS was purchased entirely from the agency’s drug seizure fund. “This simply means that our taxpayers did not have to pay a penny toward the purchase,” the agency says in a press release. “The funds used to obtain this drone were from money previously seized from a drug dealer.”

Source: Unmanned Aerial

FL Man Arrested for Pointing Green Laser at Police Helicopter

A 22-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly pointed a laser at a Manatee County (FL) Sheriff’s Office helicopter last month. The man was spotted pointing a green laser at the helicopter's cockpit from an apartment. The laser entered the cockpit, making it extremely hard for the pilot to navigate, authorities said.

Manatee County Sheriff's Office and Palmetto Police Department ground officers responded and questioned several subjects inside of the apartment. The man admitted to pointing the laser and was arrested for pointing a laser at an aircraft/pilot while in flight.

Source: WFLA TV

Fairfax County Cleared to Use Public Safety UAS

The government of Fairfax County (VA) has earned approval to use unmanned aircraft for a variety of public safety tasks. The city’s fire and rescue, emergency management, police department and sheriff’s office stand to benefit from the operation of UAS. The county board of supervisors unanimously approved the Public Safety Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program on May 21. It allows public safety agencies to use the aircraft in assessing situations like flood damage control, hazardous materials containment, search and rescue and crash reconstruction.

Fairfax County expects its public safety units to begin UAS flights as early as August. The agencies will now begin a 90-day process of purchasing equipment and certifying pilots, who will be required to have a remote pilot certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. The city said it would provide public notifications on training flights and missions. There are currently 25 other drone programs in Virginia jurisdictions.

SOURCE: www.wtop.com

APSA Online Meetings: Summer Schedule

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers and maintenance technicians as well as UAS and SAR operators via a conference call you can join using your computer, device or phone. Online meetings are open to any APSA member. Contract maintenance providers to APSA members are welcome to participate in the maintenance meeting as well. To receive meeting information and be added to the mailing list, send an email to safety@publicsafetyaviation.org.

Online meetings this summer include one for maintenance technicians on Thursday, June 13, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC); for safety officers on Friday, July 12, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC); for UAS operators on Wednesday, August 14, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC); and a SAR meeting on Wednesday, August 21, from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC).

Deadline Extended for Nominations for 2019 Night Vision Awards

After numerous inquiries, the Night Vision Awards selection committee announced they are extending the call for nominations for the 2019 Night Vision Awards Show to be held in Omaha, Nebraska at the Airborne Public Safety Association’s (APSA) annual APSCON conference. Entries will now be accepted until June 28th, 2019. The awards will be presented to recipients on Thursday, July 18 at an awards reception in the CHI Health Center Junior Ballroom from 16:30-17:30 p.m. Night Vision Awards emcee Scott Emerine said, “We extended the deadline to give more time for nominators to make nominations because we want to be sure to recognize as may operators as possible.”

To submit a nomination for an award or to learn additional information about the awards, visit https://www.nightvisionawards.com.

Arizona Airborne Assets Used for Multiple Rescues Over Three Days

The Coconino County (AZ) Sheriff’s Office responded to four search and rescue operations within a six-hour period on May 4 and performed one rescue on May 5 and two on May 6. The department used its fixed-wing aircraft to perform one of the rescues and called in assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for multiple rescues over the three-day period.

On May 4, a female required assistance after falling in a climbing accident outside of Sedona. A DPS Air Rescue helicopter responded, performing a short haul to move the 56-year-old woman to a waiting ground ambulance. After performing three more rescues on May 4, Coconino County called for DPS aviation assistance when a climber fell and was injured on May 5. A rescue team was able to lower a short haul technician and litter to the victim by rope, and the technician and victim were airlifted from the canyon by the DPS Air Rescue helicopter. The victim, a 24-year-old female was transported to an area hospital for treatment of possible broken ankles and other leg injuries.

On May 6, Coconino County deputies initiated a search for a missing 29-year-old man, using its fixed-wing aircraft to locate the man’s abandoned vehicle. A local resident in a remote and uninhabited area eventually found the man.

SOURCE: www.williamsnews.com

Suffolk, Nassau Counties Let Public See Police Aviation in Action

The Suffolk County (NY) Police Department celebrated Police Week in early May by giving students a look at police operations at its headquarters. The department’s Aviation Section was on hand to provide a demonstration.

The Nassau County (NY) Police Department opened the doors of its headquarters to the public last month for its annual open house. The event included a demonstration by the department’s Aviation Section. In addition to the airborne demos, attractions included the arson/bomb squad, police academy physical training and defensive tactics unit, emergency services unit, canine unit and mounted unit.

SOURCE: www.moriches.greaterlongisland.com and www.patch.com

UK Man Jailed for Shining Laser at Police Helicopter

A 50-year-old man was jailed for shining a laser pen at a West Yorkshire Police helicopter. The man repeatedly aimed the green light at the pilot, forcing the aircrew to abandon a search for a motorist. The helicopter's crew was able to pinpoint the source of light, guiding ground officers to the suspect.

The man had pleaded not guilty to endangering the safety of an aircraft. He was convicted and sentenced to nine months in prison at Leeds Crown Court. Recent figures reveal there were 50 laser attacks in the U.K. on police helicopter crews in 2018. Ian Vause, Assistant Operations Director for the National Police Air Service, said following the sentencing, 'Shining a laser at an aircraft can have catastrophic consequences, endangering the crew on board and people on the ground. We are pleased this individual has been brought to justice, and the sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone thinking of doing the same.”

Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news

Video: Leon County Drug Bust Nets 10 Arrests

The Leon County (FL) Sheriff’s Office released video obtained by its helicopter of a search that resulted in 10 people being arrested in a drug bust in early May. Video of the search can be seen here.

The Leon County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at a home after complaints from residents and a months-long investigation. The helicopter video shows a SWAT truck barreling through a fence onto the property. Teams of heavily armed law enforcement officers then swarm the building and make arrests. Leon County deputies said they seized six ounces of methamphetamine oil, a small amount of meth and 10 guns. The 10 suspects face drug and weapons charges. Some were also wanted on outstanding warrants. The sheriff's office said its SPIDER unit, K-9 team, SWAT team and the Tallahassee Police Department TAC team assisted in the raid.

SOURCE: www.wctv.tv

NYPD Helicopter Crew Rescues 83-Year-Old Stuck in Swamp

The New York (NY) Police Department special operations team and aviation crew rescued a man stuck in the mud on May 2. NYPD found the 83-year-old man unable to move from a swamp on Staten Island. “Our aviation officers jumped into action, not only locating him but hoisting him to safety and getting him the medical attention he needed,” NYPD said in a Facebook post.

The man reportedly became stuck after missing his bus to Staten Island University Hospital for a doctor’s appointment. He took a shortcut through the marsh but became tired and lost his sense of direction. An airborne search took an hour and consumed almost an entire tank of fuel. Detective Sean Daly said he spotted the man moving slightly in the muck. “He was in the water laying down, face up, holding onto his briefcase,” Daly said. Officer John Martin hoisted the victim and Daly into the helicopter.

SOURCE: www.theepochtimes.com

Helicopter Association Launches Incident Reporting Tool

Helicopter Association International has launched a website to address a growing need for reporting airborne safety hazards. Helicopter pilots can use the website to report near misses and other in-flight safety events. The HAI Aviation Reporting Program (HARP) was developed by the association’s operations department specifically for helicopter pilots, with customized data fields for manned and unmanned rotary-wing operations. The program is accessible from any web-enabled device.

HARP users can report events in the following specific categories: drone/UAS event, accident/serious incident, near midair collision, wildlife strike/activity, laser event and “other.” Clicking on one of the six categories then directs users to the proper reporting source and guides them through a menu of questions or selections related to the event, capturing date, time, location, description and other key data.

SOURCE: www.uasvision.com

Young Cancer Sufferer Honored by Air Support Unit

The Houston (TX) Police Department Air Support Unit and SWAT team honored Abigail Arias, a 6-year-old honorary Freeport Police Officer, in early May. Arias has lung cancer, and police officers across Houston have said her perseverance in fighting the disease has been an inspiration. On May 8, Arias arrived at the department’s aviation division hangar at Hobby Airport and was greeted by dozens of officers. A police helicopter completed a special mission to deliver Arias’ aviation wings.

SOURCE: www.khou.com

Small Colorado Unit Using UAS Extensively

The Pueblo (CO) Police Department has been using unmanned aircraft systems since April 2018 and now employs the drones extensively to help with investigations, find missing people and apprehend suspects. The department has three drones of various sizes. “As a recent example of when we used one, we had someone who was reported to have fallen in the Arkansas River,” said Lee Medved, one of seven officers who have been trained to operate the UAS. “So, to get an aerial perspective, we deployed a drone and were able to cover the area really quickly.” The department has also used UAS in traffic accident investigations and to locate suspects running from police.

SOURCE: www.chieftain.com

Did you know?

According to the U.S. Helicopter Team (USHST), 76% of all fatal UIMC (Unintended Flight in IMC) accidents occurred in the months of June through October. It is recommended to check weather before each flight and monitor developing weather during your flight and, if necessary, execute a precautionary landing. USHST also states that each year, the U.S. helicopter industry safely flies more than 3.2 million flight hours and every second of every flight must be handled with professionalism.

Source: USHST

SC Agency Adds UAS for Varied Capabilities

The Oconee County (SC) Sheriff's Office has purchased a UAS to be used in conjunction with its helicopter for law enforcement and first responder events, such as search and rescue missions (i.e., lost hikers), locating the elderly as a part of Project Life Saver, assistance with drownings, and to locate potentially dangerous fleeing suspects.

UAS bring added capabilities to certain missions that helicopters do not; they take less time to deploy and can help find subjects that are located in areas where an extended aerial view may be limited. The drones are equipped with thermal imaging capabilities as well, the OCSO says.

“We are constantly looking for technology to better help us protect and serve our citizens. We continue to be advocates for community oriented policing but we must also take advantage of any technology that increases our efficiency and effectiveness. This increases the probability of finding missing persons much quicker as well as locating a potentially dangerous suspect that could harm our community” according to Sheriff Crenshaw.

The cost for this equipment was approximately $20,000 with the attached FLIR and camera systems. Most of the funding came from reimbursement for the OCSO’s assistance with past hurricanes on the coast.

Source: www.foxcarolina.com   

Advanced Drone Technology Spreads Its Wings in Ohio

Ohio’s Department of Transportation wants to allow drones to fly beyond what the eye can see. A partnership between DriveOhio — a division of the Ohio DOT — and the  Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, located near Dayton, has developed SkyVision, a radar system designed specifically for drones. The technology allows unmanned planes to fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS).

“When we look at the development of the technology, whether its unmanned traffic management systems or delivery of packages and goods, none of those capabilities are possible without beyond visual line of sight in flight,” said Luke Stedke, managing director of communications at DriveOhio. “What this does is allow that type of testing to occur for commercial, academic and other institutions in the state of Ohio.”

SkyVision allows drones to see and avoid other aircraft — whether they are fellow drones or conventional aircraft — while in flight. The system has also been called an “aircraft control system for drones.” The SkyVision system is operated in a large RV-like vehicle to ensure its close positioning near drone aircraft that are in flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently granted a Certificate of Authorization to AFRL to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight for the Ohio Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. Drones will be allowed to fly within a 200-square-mile section of unrestricted airspace near the airport. “This also opens the door for commercial companies to work with Ohio, AFRL and the FAA to test their own UAS-related technology using our SkyVision detection system,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, in a statement. “This is a major step in revolutionizing the transportation industry, with Ohio leading the way in aerospace, defense and aviation innovation.”

The move by the FAA follows a similar authorization to allow the Chula Vista (CA) Police Department to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight. The unmanned aircraft are used as first responders, replying to 911 calls.

“All of this technology — unmanned aircraft, autonomous vehicles — there are no models for this. These are new systems and new companies. These are new companies trying to operate in an old system of transportation. So it’s really going to take partnerships, not only with companies and the government, but intergovernmental partnerships,” said Luke Stedke, managing director of communications at DriveOhio. “We want to be the one-stop-shop for connected and autonomous vehicles in the state of Ohio.”

Source: www.govtech.com

Canadian Helicopter Helps Make More Than 100 Charges in Two Days

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Canada used a helicopter crew during a Canada Road Safety Week campaign that helped lay 100 charges on motorists on May 15 and 16. Focusing on a single stretch of expressway, Wellington County OPP officers handed out 76 charges for speeding, three for stunt driving, three for vehicles following too closely, one for distracted driving and three for failing to move over for an emergency vehicle. The road safety campaign continued through the weekend and netted a grand total of 250 charges.

“OPP would also like to thank those who continue to show respect by driving safely on our roadways,” police said. “The weekend charges serve as an important reminder to drivers and other road users that when the OPP targets one particular behavior… officers are highly committed to and well-resourced for enforcing all traffic laws.”

SOURCE: www.wellingtonadvertiser.com

California Man Arrested for Pointing Laser at Police

A man was arrested on suspicion of pointing a laser at multiple commercial aircraft and a San Diego (CA) Police Department helicopter in late May. The Federal Aviation Administration requested assistance from local authorities after commercial pilots reported having a laser shined at them while heading toward San Diego International Airport, San Diego County Sheriff's Lieutenant Dave Perkins said. A San Diego police helicopter began searching for the suspect, when the laser struck officers aboard the aircraft.

Perkins said the police helicopter crew was able to identify the source of the light and guided deputies on the ground to the suspect. Deputies took the man into custody; he was booked on suspicion of shining a laser at an aircraft.

SOURCE: www.patch.com

Royal Oman Police Airlifts Emergency Supplies, Students

The Royal Oman Police airlifted essential supplies to those in need in the wake of flash floods and torrential rainfall in late May. “The [Royal Oman Police’s] aviation team has delivered supplies and necessities to some villages in the Wilayat of Wadi Bani Khalid after citizens became unable to move to and from their homes,” the Royal Oman Police said in a statement. A Royal Oman Police helicopter also was used to transport school students to their homes after the heavy rains blocked roads.

SOURCE: www.timesofoman.com

Video: Michigan State Helicopter Helps Catch Robbery Suspect

A Michigan State Police Aviation helicopter, Trooper 3, helped catch a robbery suspect who had fled on a motorcycle in Lansing in late May. According to Michigan State Police and the Lansing Police Department, the suspect rode the motorcycle from the scene after committing robberies and then fled from marked police units. The suspect couldn't outrun Trooper 3, which captured video that can be seen here.

SOURCE: www.wxyz.com

New York Aviation Unit Assists in 35-Mile Police Chase

Two people were arrested after a cross-county police chase that spanned more than 35 miles and required the assistance of the Suffolk County (NY) Police Aviation Section. The chase started with a burglary—when a patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the robbery suspects fled and were pursued by the helicopter crew, among other units. Police vehicles at a construction site eventually cornered the suspects.

The driver, a 43-year-old man, and sole passenger, a 45-year-old woman, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of burglary, driving while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The man and woman were held overnight and arraigned several days later.

SOURCE: www.patch.com

Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming APSA Safety Seminars

Plan now to attend an upcoming APSA Safety Seminar.  We will be traveling to Las Vegas, NV and the fabulous Red Rock Casino & Resort, August 27-29, and to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, September 3-5.  Registration to these events is included in your APSA membership (a fee applies to non-members), so maximize your benefits by attending.

APSA Safety Seminars offer classes, roundtables, social events and an exhibit area where you can learn, network, and explore the latest public safety aviation products and services on display by our corporate members.

To find out more information and/or register for the 2019 Las Vegas Safety Seminar, click here.

To find out more information and/or register for the 2019 Ottawa Safety Seminar, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at an APSA event soon!

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during May 2019:

Corporate Members:

FEC Heliports
Aerospace Maintenance Solutions
Omaha Airplane Supply
Southern California Safety Institute
SkyTubeLive

Individual Members: 

Kent Adams, Romeoville (IL) Fire Department
Orlando Alvarado, FBI
Al Astorga, Coconino County (AZ) Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit
Wayne Bailey, Blue Ridge Mountain Drones
Romano Bassi, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Riley Beaman, NC Public Safety Drone Academy
Rolla Boggs, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Dan Bowdish, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Jeffrey Brady, St. Tammany Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office
Justin Brummett, Clackamas County (OR) Sheriffs Office
Sharon Bull, FBI Academy
Joseph Bunting, Santa Cruz County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Bruce Burkett, BB Aviation
Pablo Camacho, Santa Cruz County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Darin Clifton, Alabama DCNR Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Law Enforcement
Paul Clifton, Coconino County (AZ) Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit
Bradley Cole, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue
Devin Coulon, St. Tammany Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office
Mark Crandell, Greenlee County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Chris Dasher, Alachua County (FL) Sheriff's Office
Bruce Dikken, Colorado Department of Public Safety
Doug Fahey, FBI Academy
Pedro Felix, Santa Cruz (AZ) County Sheriff's Office
Jose Fernandez, Santa Cruz County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Bill Florence, Southern Arizona Rescue Association
Josh Frey, Sacramento (CA) Police Department
Marc Galman, Charleston County (SC) Sheriff's Office
Michael Gardner, Marietta (GA) Police Department
Thomas Gnapp, Calgary Police Service
Dan Groebner, Navajo County (AZ) Search and Rescue
Scott Hafdell, City of Manhattan Beach (CA)
Seth Hall, Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department
Andri Harasym, Canadian Helicopters - York Regional Police
Skip Healey, FBI Academy
Nathan Hines, FBI Academy
Garren Hoskins, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department Aviation Unit
Peter Hoynes, Greenlee County (AZ) Search and Rescue
Nicolas Ianiero, Canadian Helicopters
Margaret Johnson, Tonto Rim (AZ) Search and Rescue
Larry Johnston, Tonto Rim (AZ) Search and Rescue
Alex Keller, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Andy Lacayo, San Jose (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Dave Lang, FBI Academy
Gavin Lanning, San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aerial Support Detail
Devin Lauritzen, Iron County (UT) Sheriff's Office
Brian Leventhal, North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Rafael Lopez, Santa Cruz County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Scott Madden, Washington State Patrol Aviation Unit
Chad McBride, Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
James McGuire, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Roger Miotto, Tonto Rim (AZ) Search and Rescue
Joshua Nelson, Southern Arizona Rescue Association
Jim Oelerich, Tonto Rim (AZ) Search and Rescue
Jeremy Paris, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Jacob Pavlenko, San Diego County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aerial Support Detail
Randy Pelkey, Henry County (AL) Sheriffs Office
Edward Pierce, Tuscaloosa (AL) County Sheriff's Office
Dante Proto, Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office
Kirsten Ramey, FBI Academy
Mykle Raymond, Southern Arizona Rescue Association
James Richey, Ventura County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit
Joseph Robinson, Sacramento (CA) Police Department Air Support Unit
Jeremy Rutledge, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Kyle Scheckenbach, LVHN MedEvac
Del Schlosser, Iron County (UT) Sheriff's Office
Robert Schoelkopf, FBI Academy
Laurie Scott, Omaha (NE) Police Department Air Support Unit
Steve Sharpe, Montebello (CA) Police Dept.
Brent Shumaker, Navajo County / White Mountain (AZ) Sheriff's Posse
Francisco Siva, Brazilian Federal Police Aviation Unit
Allen Straub, Omaha (NE) Police Department Air Support Unit
DJ Subia, Greenlee County (AZ) Search and Rescue
Roy Thellmann, Joseph City (AZ) Fire District
Jim Ray Thompson, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Aircraft Troop O
Brian Timms, Victoria Police
Michael Uleski, Daytona Beach Shores (FL) Dept. of Public Safety
John Vahey, Suffolk County (NY) Police Department
Steven Wagner, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff's Office Flight Unit
Ian Williamson, Cochise County (AZ) Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue
Danny Winters, FBI Academy
Ryan Wullschleger, Omaha (NE) Police Department Air Support Unit
Basil Yap, North Carolina Department of Transportation
Michael Young, Holbrook (AZ) Fire