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.

Next Week: Safety Seminar in Sunny Orlando, FL

APSA's first Safety Seminar of 2022 is next week in Orlando, FL, Feb. 15-17. There is an excellent educational program planned, encompassing fixed-wing, helicopter and UAS operations. Take part in workshops and classes, and learn more about the latest aviation products and services displayed in our corporate member exhibit area. The seminar will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport.

Registration is open and included in your individual membership. A nominal $55 fee applies for non-members, so invite a colleague to join you. Please register in advance online or call the APSA office at 301-631-2406. We look forward to seeing you in sunny Orlando next week!

Be A Part of APSA's Leadership Team; Nominations Due Next Week

Participate in your association to the fullest extent possible by serving on the APSA Board of Directors. The nomination period for board positions up for election for the July 2022 -July 2024 term is open through February 15, 2022. The following offices are open for nomination: Vice-President, Secretary, Midwest Region Director, Northeast Region Director and Western Region Director.

Candidates for Region Director positions must reside in the region he or she is elected to represent. Nominations may be submitted online, by regular mail or email and addressed to the APSA Secretary. Please ensure nominations indicate the name of nominee, position for which the person is being nominated, and the person making the nomination. Both nominee and nominator must be current members and in good standing. Additionally, the person being nominated must be a member of APSA for at least one year.

Nominations must be received or postmarked no later than February 15, 2022. Submit your nominations here, or send them to Murray Maschmeyer, Secretary, Airborne Public Safety Association, 50 Carroll Creek Way, Suite 260, Frederick, MD 21701 or via email to mmaschmeyer@publicsafetyaviation.org.

APSA Rescue Summit 2022 on March 7; Free Member Registration

The Airborne Public Safety Association Rescue Summit 2022 will be held in conjunction with HELI-EXPO 2022 on Monday, March 7, 2022 at the Kay Bailey Convention Center: A1 Ballroom in Dallas, TX. Rescue Summit 2022 will include various presentations pertaining to helicopter rescue operations including topics such as hoisting, safety and critical incident and accident reviews. Networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the day.

Rescue Summit 2022 is intended for all who use vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in rescue operations. Registration for Rescue Summit 2022 is included in your APSA Individual Membership dues; a nominal fee for non-members applies. Register hereor call 301-631-2406 with any questions. All attendees must be registered to participate.

Interested in sponsoring this event and marketing to the attendees?  Contact Benay Osborne by emailor call her at 301-631-2406.

NIST's UAS Standard Test Methods Training Courses Offered Through APSA

APSA is offering both the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Basic and Advanced sUAS Standard Test Methods Proctor Training Courses. In both courses, attendees will learn how to fabricate apparatuses, conduct trials, and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs.

The Basic Course covers two of the four different NIST "test lanes": Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (Part 107 qualification) and Open Test Lane.  In addition, everyone who successfully completes the course will have the opportunity to become an APSA Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP) flight evaluation proctor.

The Advanced Course addresses managing the NIST obstructed and confined test lanes, night operations, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and embedding apparatus within scenarios. Ideally, attendees will have previously completed the APSA NIST Basic sUAS Standard Test Methods Proctor Training Course.

Both courses consist of 24 hours of classroom and hands-on flight instruction and evaluation at a cost of $575. Upcoming NIST courses scheduled to date are:

Basic Courses

• April 22-24: Cape May Courthouse, NJ
• May 13-15: Spokane County, WA
• September 16-18: Shelby, NC

Advanced Courses

• Feb. 18-20: Alameda County (Dublin), CA 
• March 30 - April 1: Burnet, TX
• October 7-9: Creve Coeur, MO
• October 27-29: Niceville, FL

The NIST sUAS Standard Test Methods are an excellent way to add a sUAS pilot flight skills credentialing component to your sUAS program.  Attendees to these courses should be experienced sUAS pilots who want to hone their skills, evaluate sensor systems and/or have a desire to train and evaluate other sUAS pilots.  Register today!

If your agency is interested in hosting one of these courses and receiving a fee set of NIST sUAS Test Methods apparatus along with complimentary registration, contact APSA Training Program Manager Don Roby.

APSA and AIRT Collaborate to Support Public Safety Use of NIST Test Methods for sUAS

The Airborne Public Safety Association and the Airborne International Response Team (AIRT), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting the use of drones and robotic systems for public safety and disaster response, have entered into an agreement of cooperation to support the implementation of the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Test Methods for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to enhance safety and remote pilot proficiency surrounding public safety drone operations.

Under the agreement, APSA and AIRT - the official home of the DRONERESPONDERS program - will cooperate to facilitate validation and dissemination of the NIST test methods for sUAS.  This will include developing best practices for using the tests to support training with standard measures of remote pilot proficiency for public safety and emergency services organization operating drones for life safety missions.

"The NIST test methods for sUAS have emerged as a proven system for evaluating both remote pilot proficiency and aircraft capabilities," said Daniel Schwarzbach, Executive Director and CEO, APSA. "Our partnership with AIRT and the DRONERESPONDERS program will help expand awareness and adoption of the NIST test methods while also ensuring a safer National Airspace System (NAS)."

APSA is already offering basic and advanced-level proctor training courses for public safety agencies looking to adopt the NIST test methods for sUAS, as well as a Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilots (BPERP) certification.  The DRONERESPONDERS program, in-part through a grant from NIST, will help validate and disseminate the test methods while supporting the courses. They will also maintain a record of public safety agencies and personnel who have successfully completed the training.

"We look forward to working alongside APSA to help establish much-needed standardization surrounding public safety and emergency drone operations," said Chief Charles Werner (ret.), Director, DRONERESPONDERS.  "The skill development and objective measures of proficiency provided by the NIST test methods are ideal for law enforcement, fire service, and other public safety agencies who are typically operating small, quad-copter drones."

The NIST test methods for sUAS provide a scalable, flexible, and reproductible way to train and measure remote pilot proficiency for both professional and recreational pilots, while also reducing risk to ground personnel and manned aircraft operating in the NAS.  NIST test lanes can be fabricated easily from supplies typically found at most hardware stores.  APSA and AIRT will begin aggregating the average scores for remote pilots on various aircraft within the NIST test methods to enable any organization using similar aircraft to establish their own minimum thresholds of proficiency.

"We are excited to have APSA and DRONERESPONDERS work together to introduce the NIST test methods for sUAS to America's first responders operating drones," said Adam Jacoff, a robotics research engineer in NIST's Intelligent Systems Division who is leading an international effort to develop standard tests for remotely operated aerial, ground, and aquatic systems.  "Their efforts will help make public safety drone operations more effective, and safer, for all stakeholders."

France Purchases Aircraft Configured For Law Enforcement

Last month, the French Ministry of Interior purchased 10 H160s aircraft in a law enforcement configuration for the Gendarmerie Nationale, including the maintenance. France is the first country to order the H160 for law enforcement missions.

"The French Ministry of Interior contract is an important milestone for the H160. We now have customers for the offshore transportation, private and business aviation, search and rescue and law enforcement mission segments, showing that the H160 is a truly versatile aircraft," said Bruno Even, CEO Airbus Helicopters. "Developing this new configuration for the H160 in cooperation with an experienced customer like the Gendarmerie Nationale is key to the success of the program."

The new H160s will be equipped with a Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, winching and fast roping capabilities. The air force command center of the Gendarmerie Nationale and Airbus Helicopters are also working closely together to develop a tailored mission management system.

The French Gendarmerie Nationale already operates a wide fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families. The first H160s will be delivered before the Olympic Games that will take place in Paris in 2024.

Source: Airbus

Massachusetts State Police Air Wing Reunites with Hunter They Rescued

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2021, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers assigned to the Air Wing scrambled in Air 3 to assist in the search for a missing hunter in a forest. The helicopter's aircrew was able to locate the missing man by the light on his cell phone while he was deep in the woods. The troopers established contact with him by using the public address system installed on Air 3, then lit up the area with their spotlight to lead ground units to the man's location to complete the rescue.

Last month, the man who was rescued, Herbert Moody, and his wife Elizabeth visited the MSP Air Wing to express their gratitude. "Thanks to all of you for being there, it went unbelievably smooth," Mr. Moody said. His wife added that her husband's rescue was the most wonderful Christmas gift the family could have received. The couple is seen in the photo with Lt. Kevin Kaupp (left), Commander of MSP's Air Wing, and Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Wilcox, MSP Commander of the Division of Homeland Security.

Source: newbedfordguide.com

FlightSafety Acquires Simulator Manufacturer Frasca

Flight training giant FlightSafety International has acquired the aviation simulator manufacturer Frasca International. The purchase was completed at the end of 2021.

Frasca, founded in 1958 by aviation pioneer Rudy Frasca, is known for its rotor- and fixed-wing simulators, ranging from flight training devices to Level B through D full flight simulators. FlightSafety was founded in 1951 by Al Ueltschi, and today claims the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at learning centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. A Frasca spokesperson said the two companies have a history of collaboration, dating back decades to the friendship of their founders.

The move follows Frasca's selection by FlightSafety as a subcontractor for the U.S. Navy TH-73A Aircrew Training Service Contract. Announced in April 2021, that agreement will ultimately see Frasca provide and install eight new TH-73 FTDs and modify the Navy's 10 existing TH-57B/C FTDs. Frasca has more than 130 employees, and it has sold more than 3,000 simulators around the world. Frasca said the company name is to remain the same, John Frasca will continue as president, and all management and employees will remain at its facility in Urbana, IL.

Source: Frasca

Monthly Webinar Training Series Free for Members

As part of the education and training program for 2022, APSA is conducting a series of webinars, one a month with the exception of June-August. Recognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person APSA events, these webinars continue the series of live, online training originally brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm EST, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series are:

• February 24:  Aircrew Communications | Lee Owen, Canyon Aero
• March 24:  Safety Update 2022 | Bryan Smith, APSA Safety Program Manager
• April 21:  Fleeing Suspect Tactics | Nick Minx, Tactical Flying, Inc.
• May 19: Critical Incident Reviews | Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit, Rose Lopez, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

Registration for these webinars is open. To register, simply click on the webinar(s) you'd like to participate in and complete the registration form. These webinars are offered free of charge to APSA members.

Interested in sponsoring one or more of these webinars and addressing the participants? 

Contact Benay Osborne by email or call her at 301-631-2406 for details.

APSA Awards & Scholarships: Nominations & Applications Wanted

Help us recognize an APSA member for their contributions to public safety aviation or your child for their academic excellence. The APSA awards recognize those individuals whose personal efforts or actions have perpetuated the professionalism and advancement of public safety aviation. The awards that APSA presents annually are:

• Robert L. Cormier Award
• Captain 'Gus' Crawford Memorial Aircrew of the Year Award
• Technical Specialist Award
• Safety Award
• Fixed-Wing Operator Award
• Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) Award
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Award

Additionally, this year APSA provides eighteen (18) scholarships totaling $44,000 to recognize the academic excellence of our members' children.  APSA funds twelve (12) regional scholarships, which provide $2,500 to each recipient.  The remaining six (6) scholarships, like our awards, are funded through the generosity of some very special APSA supporters, providing $1,500 to $2,500 to each recipient.

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the annual General Membership Meeting during APSCON 2022 on Thursday, July 28. Award winners will be honored at the APSCON 2022 Awards Reception on Friday, July 29.  The deadline for receipt of award nominations and scholarship applications is Sunday, May 1, 2022.

For more information about our Awards and Scholarships Program, or to submit award nominations and scholarship applications, visit the APSA website and click on Awards and Scholarships. If you have any questions or need further information, contact Executive Director/CEO Dan Schwarzbach. Don't miss these great opportunities ... they only come around once a year!

Join APSA's Online Meeting Groups: Learn From Each Other

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR and Natural Resources personnel, and UAS operators that you can join using your computer, mobile device or phone. To facilitate this, the UAS, Safety Officer and Maintenance Technician Meeting Groups meet once every two months, and the SAR Personnel and Natural Resources Meeting Groups meet quarterly.

These 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.

The schedule for upcoming APSA online meetings is as follows:

Maintenance:  Wednesday, February 23, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)

UAS: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST (1800 UTC)

Safety Officers: Friday, March 18, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Natural Resources: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

SAR: Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (1700 UTC)

Baltimore Police to Purchase Three Helicopters Following January Vote

Baltimore Police Department will spend $17.6 million over the next 10 years for three new police helicopters for its Aviation Unit, replacing four aircraft in their current fleet. The department's oldest helicopter is nearly 12 years old. "At 12 years, there’s a major overhaul with the helicopters, or they can no longer be flown because it’s a safety issue," the department’s Chief Financial Officer Shallah Graham said in a Jan. 5 city council meeting. The total purchase price is expected to be lower once the department trades in its older helicopters.

Col. Kevin Jones, Chief of Patrol Operations, said the helicopters are an extremely important tool for the department. The helicopters assist officers when there's a large crowd, natural disasters and vehicle pursuits, he said. "It's a force-multiplier," he said. "Especially in a time when we are dealing with resources shortages as a result of COVID-19 and other things." Jones said the new helicopters would be an improvement, providing additional space for up to six individuals from four in the older models. He also described the new models as "a stronger, faster vehicle" with the ability to stay up in the air longer.

Source: news.yahoo.com and Baltimore Sun

FAA Produces Webpage Devoted to 5G and Aviation Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration is working to ensure that radio signals from newly activated wireless telecommunications systems can coexist safely with flight operations in the United States. Telecom companies AT&T and Verizon rolled out their 5G infrastructures last month and agreed to limit the technology around some airports.

Activation of the 5G technology had originally been planned to start last year, but deployment was pushed back because of the safety concerns. Those 5G services launched in 46 markets on January 19, using frequencies in a radio spectrum called the C-band. These frequencies can be close to those used by radio altimeters, an important piece of safety equipment in aircraft. To make sure that this does not lead to hazardous interference, the FAA requires that radio altimeters are accurate and reliable. For a list of radio altimeters approved for low-visibility approaches in 5G deployment, visit the FAA’s new webpage.

Source: FAA

Man Arrested for Pointing Laser at Sheriff's Helicopter During Road Race

A California man was arrested last month for pointing a laser at a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department helicopter during a "street takeover" race on Jan. 6. The helicopter, 40-KING-1, was on patrol over the city assisting ground officers with multiple vehicles racing in the area.

"The aircrew located several vehicles racing, numerous bystanders and vehicles blocking the road, also known as a street takeover," a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department report stated. "While overhead, the crew relayed this information to responding units and was struck multiple times by a purple laser."

Using the helicopter's forward-looking infrared, the crew was able to locate the 19-year-old man on the ground pointing the laser at them. He pointed the laser several times at the aircrew and then attempted to flee in a vehicle. They followed him and guided ground units to him where officers detained him. During a search of the vehicle, officers located the laser used to point at the helicopter.

The department reminded the public that pointing any kind of laser at an aircraft while in motion or flight could seriously hinder the pilot’s ability to safely control the aircraft. It is a felony and federal offense.

Source: redlandscommunitynews.com

Enstrom Helicopter Files for Bankruptcy

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has declared bankruptcy and closed its doors Jan. 21. In a release announcing the news, the company said "several financial difficulties" have forced its owners, Chongqing General Aviation Industry Group, to shutter the subsidiary's doors. Enstrom delivered its final helicopters in December 2021. The company ceased taking new parts orders and supplying overhauls on Jan. 7, and it ended its technical support on Jan. 19.

In a letter informing Enstrom's dealers and representatives of the news, Enstrom's Director of Sales Dennis Martin confirmed, "all existing contracts and agreements [with the company] will become null and void." He added that all the company's employees, including senior management, were losing their jobs.

"Enstrom understands that you all have customers you are supporting and that this will put both you and your customers in a difficult position," he said. "We apologize. Enstrom's management team is aware of multiple groups who have expressed strong interest in buying Enstrom's assets and reopening the company post-bankruptcy. While we have no control over how and when this may happen, we feel that it is highly likely that a new Enstrom will be in a position to support you and your customers relatively quickly."

Founded in 1959 by helicopter industry legend Rudy Enstrom and a group of local businessmen, Enstrom Helicopter built more than 1,300 aircraft, which flew in more than 50 countries around the world. The company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2019. "Millions of hours flown, tens of thousands of pilots trained, think of all the lives these aircraft have touched," said Martin in the news release. "It's an incredible legacy, and the people of Northern Michigan and Wisconsin who helped start the company, and especially the hard working employees who kept it going all these years, should be proud of what we accomplished."

Despite the news of the closure, Enstrom's President Matt Francour was full of praise for the company's workforce. "They've continued to work throughout the pandemic and our financial difficulties to get aircraft out the door and supply parts and technical support to our large in-service fleet." He also expressed his belief that a buyer will be found for Enstrom's assets. "I don't know how, and I don't know when, but I have a feeling we'll be back," he said.

Source: verticalmag.com

Man Who Shone Laser At Police Helicopter Is Sent To Prison For 20 Weeks

On Jan. 18, a 55-year-old man started a prison sentence or shining a laser at a National Police Air Service helicopter last July 2021. The NPAS's Newcastle aircrew was searching for a suspect vehicle that had failed to stop for police officers from Northumbria Police. A green laser was repeatedly directed towards the helicopter while airborne, endangering the crew. Officers pinpointed the location from which the laser was being shone and directed Northumbria officers so they could identify and arrest the offender. 

The man is being jailed for 20 weeks, having been charged with shining a direct laser towards a vehicle. Following the sentence, NPAS Head of Flight Operations Paul Watts, said, "Distracting a helicopter crew whilst they are in flight is an extremely serious offense and one which we will always seek prosecution for. It also distracts police from the job they are doing to protect the public. This mindless behavior endangers the safety of the aircrew and the public, and a jail sentence is appropriate and welcomed by us." 

PC Rachael Bell of Northumbria Police, added: "The man's actions were dangerous and I am pleased that this has been reflected in a custodial sentence. We are incredibly thankful for the support that NPAS provides. They are a crucial asset who play a key role in helping to keep our communities safe," she said. "For somebody to endanger the lives of their crews by shining a laser in this way is absolutely appalling. We will always look to bring effective justice against anybody who endangers the lives of others."

Source: emergency-services.news

Utah Sheriff's Office Receive New Aircraft

The Utah County (UT) Sheriff's Office has purchased a CubCrafters Carbon Cub FX-3 search and rescue aircraft that will help save lives. For the past 30 years, the agency has been using a 1938 Cessna 180 to search for lost hikers, swimmers, and off-roaders.

Sheriff's Office SAR Pilot Gary Winterton said the old aircraft was not designed for searches. "Over the last couple of years, more and more people, as they've been home through what we've been going through, are venturing out into the outdoors and it's just kind of doubled our workload in terms of going out and finding people that are out in the backcountry," Winterton said. "[The new plane is] fast enough to get out to, you know, corners of the county really quick, but then slow down and fly slow and safe."

The new airplane is safer for the pilots, more cost effective, and it is designed to meet the needs of search crews. The aircraft is much lighter, weighing 1,200 pounds, and can go as fast as 135 miles per hour to get to a search site, but also as slow as 50 miles per hour when they are actively searching an area. The doors and windows open up for even more visibility, making it easier to spot those they are looking for. The plane can also land on different types of terrain, like on a mountainside or desert.

"It's going to change the game for us," Winterton said. The new plane also costs less per hour to operate than the old one, and it can go twice as far on the same fuel. Winterton said this improvement comes at low cost for taxpayers, but will yield high results. "This is going to help us serve Utah County and the state of Utah so much more effectively," he said.

Source:  kutv.com

New Mexico State Police Helicopter Hoists Injured Hiker to Safety

On the afternoon of Jan. 22, 2022, the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Aircraft Section assisted New Mexico Search and Rescue (NM SAR) with the rescue of a stranded and injured hiker in the LaDrones Mountains. A Socorro County Sheriff's Office deputy and fire department paramedic had hiked to the location of the injured 50-year-old female and were providing medical care. The New Mexico State Police Helicopter, call sign ABLE 7 crewed by a pilot, a hoist operator, and a rescue specialist launched to the area to assist.

ABLE 7's aircrew located the injured hiker and her rescuers near the top of the mountain. The NMSP rescue specialist was lowered down to the hiker where she and the paramedic were prepared for hoisting. The hoist mission, which took place at 9,100 feet was a success. ABLE 7 airlifted the injured hiker to a waiting ambulance, and she was transported to an area hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening.

"I'm very happy to hear of another successful rescue mission by the hardworking members of the NMSP Aircraft Section, and local first responding partners," said Tim Johnson, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. "The response of ABLE 7 and its crew most certainly saved this hiker's life."

The New Mexico State Police unveiled its new Airbus H145 helicopter two years ago, and it's been proudly serving the citizens of New Mexico ever since.

Source: New Mexico State Police

Team Efforts Saves Man In Canadian Backcountry

Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, K9 team and the helicopter Air One are credited for saving a man's life in the backcountry area last month. On Jan. 13, Chilliwack RCMP received a report of a man who appeared to be experiencing significant medical distress before running into the backcountry. Officers arrived on scene where they searched a heavily wooded area through deep snowy conditions for the man who was in need of urgent medical attention. "Determination, local area knowledge and experience in backcountry recreation were key in the search, which saw officers track for eight miles in less-than-ideal conditions to locate the man, says Corporal Mike Rail of the Chilliwack RCMP. Given the weather conditions and the fact that the man was not dressed or prepared for a night in the woods, police efforts undoubtedly made a difference in saving this man's life."

When police located the man, his core body temperature had already started to drop and he was experiencing the onset of frostbite. He was transported to a regional hospital for medical attention.

Source:  fraservalleynewsnetwork.com

New Zealand Man Arrested for Pointing Laser

A New Zealand man has been charged after pointing a laser at two aircraft. The 28-year-old was arrested last month after he pointed at the cockpit of an Air New Zealand plane, and then at New Zealand Police Air Support Unit's Eagle helicopter for a number of minutes. The police aircrew was able to identify the offender's address, and the man was charged with two counts of endangering transport, police said.

It is illegal to point a laser at aircraft under New Zealand's Civil Aviation Act, as the illumination can cause the pilot disorientation and temporary blindness. If convicted, the man could face up to 14 years in prison, police said. "These matters are taken seriously and any such incident will be investigated thoroughly."

Source: stuff.co.nz

Sheriff's Aircrew Rescues Injured Hiker to Safety

An injured hiker who fell in icy terrain in the Mt. Baldy area of the San Gabriel Mountains was hoist-rescued by a San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department (SBCSD) Aviation Unit in mid-January. The 31-year-old woman was hiking with a friend when she went off-trail, fell and slid approximately 200 feet down a slope. She eventually hit a tree, which stopped her fall. Her friend placed a 911 call, stating that her friend was injured and could not hike any longer. She suffered facial injuries and believes she lost consciousness from the fall, the sheriff's report said.

SBCSD's rescue helicopter Air Rescue 306 could not assist because they were conducting another hoist rescue. Patrol helicopter 40-KING-2 was then dispatched to the area to look for the hiker. The aircrew arrived, located her and determined a hoist rescue would be needed to get the injured hiker to safety. The 40-KING-2 crew hoisted a medic qualified for technical ice rescues down to her. The medic used crampons attached to his boots to allow him to operate in steep and icy conditions.

The harnessed medic secured the woman into a rescue harness, and she was hoisted up to the helicopter then flown to paramedics for further treatment. The aircrew returned and hoisted the medic back to the helicopter.

Source: vvdailypress.com

North Ireland's Aircrew Struck With Laser, Man Arrested

On Jan. 21, two men were arrested after repeatedly pointing a laser at the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)'s EC135 helicopter in north Belfast.

The men were arrested on suspicion of endangering the safety of an aircraft. PSNI spokesperson Inspector McBride said, "Thankfully, on this occasion, no one was injured as a result of this extremely dangerous and reckless behavior. Not only is it an offense under the Air Navigation Order to endanger aircraft, but also it is highly irresponsible and dangerous. Lasers can cause temporary blindness and where pilots are concerned, this could result in a catastrophe and possibly lead to loss of life. Be mindful of the impact of such actions, and be prepared to face the consequences."

Under Ireland's Air Navigation Order, individuals that point lasers at aircraft can be charged with "Endangering the Safety of an Aircraft" which, if convicted, carries an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.

Source: irishtimes.com and flyinginireland.com

Air Beat Would Like To Feature Your Aviation Unit: Contact Us

Most articles you read in APSA's Air Beat magazine come from members like you. With the help of our editorial staff, it's easy to spotlight the great work of your aviation unit with an article in Air Beat. (It's our editor's job to make you look good, so don't worry if you're not a writer.) Whether your missions involve law enforcement, emergency medical transport, natural resource conservation, firefighting, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at airbeat@publicsafetyaviation.org for information.

APSA Welcomes New Members

APSA's networking, education and training opportunities are unique and specialized for public safety aviation. Let your colleagues and friends know about APSA. Thank you for your membership and helping APSA continue to grow. We would like to welcome the following corporate and individual members who joined during January 2022:

Corporate Members:

IAC Ltd., Co.
California Wing Specialties
Howell Instruments, Inc.
Lifesaving Systems Corporation
Helicopter Night Vision Solutions

Individual Members:

Allison Brittany, San Juan County (NM) Sheriff office
Steitler Buisch, Anderson University (SC)
Syed Bukhari, Houston (TX) Police Department Air Support Division
Joe Burgett, Clemson University (SC)
John Caramucci, San Francisco (CA) Sheriff's Office
Travis Carpenter, Tucson (AZ) Police Department Air Support Unit
Bradford Chambers, Volusia (FL) Sheriff's Office
Christopher Chavous, Aiken County (SC) Sheriff's Office
Jose Colon, Metro Nashville (TN) Police Department - Aviation Unit
Jason Crowell, Embry-Riddle (MO)
Robert Curran, Long Beach (CA) Police Department
Chuck Curry, Two Bear Air Rescue Foundation (MT)
Ace De Dios, United States Airforce Reserves (GA)
Cory DeArmitt, SC SLED
Colin Dees, Clemson University (NC)
David Dolenar, Mesa (AZ) Police Department Aviation Section
Robert Eppers, Department of the Army
Jeff Erb, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Argatha Gilmore, Leon County (FL) Sheriff's Office - Aviation Unit
Ryan Goetz, Pasadena (CA) Police Department
James Grigsby, CrossFlight Sky Solutions (SC)
Thomas Hostin, Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
Daniel Jones, Tampa (FL) International Airport Police Department
David Kolb, New York State Police
Dalton Lantz, USAF (AZ)
Chris Lewis, SPOTR Industries (NC)
Booker Little, AINAUTICS (SC)
Kevin Lynch, Snohomish County (WA) Sheriff's Office
Elliott Mann, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Julio Martinez, Montebello (CA) Police Department
Derek McClintock, San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
John Medlin, Aiken (SC) Department of Public Safety
Zachary Monroe, Maine Forest Service
Brad Morris, Civil Air Patrol, SC Wing
Ron O'Brien, Leon County (FL) Sheriff's Office - Aviation Unit
Cody Osterholt, Michigan State Police - Aviation Section
Jason Pagliaro, Savannah (GA) Police Department
David Park, Montebello (CA) Police Department
Luke Pereles, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Headquarters – Lakeland
Travis Perkins, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Headquarters – Lakeland
Anthony Petrucci, CrossFlight Sky Solutions (SC)
Lauren Pettey, Tucson (AZ) Police Department Air Support Unit
Ryan Robertson, CHP (CA)
Warren Roseberry, Force 6 (TX)
Gabe Ruff, Two Bear Air Rescue Foundation (MT)
Jason Rust, Greene County (MO)
Gregory Sanderson, Air Rescue Concepts (UT)
Ronald Sereno, Pasadena (CA) Police Department
Lance Shank, Maryland State Police – Aviation
Matthew Simmons, Florida Highway Patrol
John Sumwalt, Suffolk County (NY) Police Department
Clayton Thomas, Mesa (AZ) Police Department Aviation Section
Christopher Tyni, Montebello (CA) Police Department
Beau VanBuren, Zephyr Drone Simulator (VA)
Brandon Wall, Mesa (AZ) Police Department Aviation Section
Steven Wernisch, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (FL)
Shane Wiens, RCMP (BC)
Trevor Wilson, Independent UAS Contractor (NC)
Andres Yzaguirre, Montebello (CA) Police Department
Homan Zahedani, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (CA)

If you know of other public safety aviators or industry-related companies that could benefit by becoming APSA members, please share this link and help our association grow in 2022!