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.

Nominations Open Until Feb. 15 for APSA Board Positions

APSA belongs to you. Like any professional membership organization, APSA exists for you and because of you. Your membership in the association is, in essence, an investment in yourself. Participating in and utilizing your association to the fullest extent possible will earn dividends. Serving as a member of APSA's Board of Directors is one way of participating in APSA to the fullest extent. It is a challenging and rewarding experience. Get yourself nominated or nominate someone else.

"As the nomination period for APSA elected offices has opened, I cannot stress enough the importance of participating in this process to shape the future. New board members bring fresh ideas and keep the association progressive," said CEO/Executive Director Dan Schwarzbach. Nominations will be accepted now through February 15, 2024.

The following APSA Board of Directors offices are open for nomination: Vice President, Secretary, Midwest Region Director, Northeast Region Director and Western Region Director. Complete information on eligibility and nominations for APSA elections can be found on our website.
 

APSA Rescue Summit 2024; Complimentary Member Registration

APSA Rescue Summit 2024 will be held in conjunction with HELI-EXPO 2024 on Monday, February 26, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Rescue Summit 2024 is for all who use VTOL aircraft in rescue operations. Registration for the event is complimentary as a benefit of membership; a nominal fee for non-members applies. 

This year's Rescue Summit will include various presentations pertaining to helicopter rescue operations including topics such as hoisting, safety, victim care, technology and critical incident & accident reviews. Networking opportunities are scheduled throughout the day. There is no cost to members for this event, but registration is required.  For complete information, including the agenda and registration link, visit our website.  Register today! 

Thank you to our corporate members for supporting this event. For information on being a Rescue Summit 2024 sponsor, contact Benay Osborne at 301-631-2406 or bosborne@publicsafetyaviation.org. 
 

Helicopter Association International Celebrates 75-Year Milestone

Helicopter Association International (HAI) commemorated its 75th anniversary last month, marking three-quarters of a century dedicated to growing, shaping, protecting and strengthening the international vertical aviation industry. Founded on Dec. 13, 1948, by a visionary group of 16 individuals who formed the Helicopter Council, HAI has since evolved into a global force representing thousands of operators, pilots, maintenance technicians, manufacturers, and suppliers across 65 countries.

Over the decades, HAI's mission remains unwavering: to provide opportunities for current and future forms of vertical aviation to flourish through advocacy, connection, and collaboration while elevating safety throughout the global industry. For much of the past 75 years, HAI's focus on flight safety, and the goal of eliminating fatal accidents globally, has remained a significant, continual mission for the organization. HAI supports or leads international and national vertical flight safety programs, such as the Vertical Aviation Safety Team and US Helicopter Safety Team, and producing programs and educational content available to the industry at https://rotor.org/safety/. 

HAI also offers numerous avenues for connection, engagement, and leadership development. Notably, the annual HAI HELI-EXPO, the world's largest trade show, conference, and education event for vertical aviation, provides a platform for industry professionals to network, showcase innovations, and learn from experts.

This year's HELI-EXPO will take place Feb. 26-29, 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Learn more at https://heliexpo.com, and stop by APSA booth #2624 to visit and learn what's on tap for 2024.

 

APSA Safety Seminar Headed to Gainesville, FL

APSA Safety Seminars are offered free of charge as a benefit of membership to all active association members (a fee applies for non-members) and cover a wide range of topics through informative training classes as well as roundtable discussions. 
APSA's first Safety Seminar of 2024 will take place in Gainesville, FL, April 2-4. Registration is open via the APSA website.

The event's host hotel, the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, is offering attendees a discount rate of $149 per night until March 18. Reserve your room online.  Don't miss this opportunity to participate in top-notch training, see the industry's latest products and technology displayed in the exhibit area and network with your public safety aviation peers.

Thank you to corporate members Bell, Airbus, and MD Helicopters who have already committed to support this Safety Seminar. Information on exhibiting and additional sponsorship opportunities can be found here.

Register today! Check the APSA website regularly for the latest information on this and other APSA training events. 
 

Second Helicopter Joins Western Australia Police Air Wing Fleet

A second state-of-the-art five-bladed Airbus H145 helicopter was delivered to the Western Australia Police Force Air Wing last month, completing a $54.3 million upgrade of the Air Wing fleet. Compared to previous Air Wing helicopters, the Airbus H145 offers improved response time, operational versatility and technological enhancements.

The new aerial assets are equipped with world-class video and data-link technology allowing high-definition footage to be live-streamed to any WA police officer via their OneForce mobile phone as well as direct to the State Operation Command Center (SOCC). This provides both frontline responders and command teams with crucial intelligence, enhancing operational awareness in real-time.  

Airbus H145s have outstanding performance and multi-mission capabilities. They can be airborne in just two minutes and can fly further, faster. Since the first of the German-made aircraft launched into action for WA Police four months ago, it has spent close to 400 hours airborne and assisted in more than 466 police tasks, including pursuits, rescues and surveillance operations.

The Cook Government's multi-million-dollar WA Police Air Wing investment includes two maintenance engineers and equipment to keep each helicopter airborne for up to 800 hours per year. Initially expected to be operational by March 2024, the second Airbus H145 is ready for deployment months ahead of schedule.

Police Minister Paul Papalia said, "The ability to beam live video footage direct to units on the ground gives officers a major tactical advantage. In July, the WA Police Force became the first law enforcement agency in the southern hemisphere to own one of these high-tech helicopters – now it has two." The agency's aging Kawasaki Bolkow BK117 helicopter will now be decommissioned after 30 years helping to protect Western Australians.

Source: wa.gov.au/government
 

Canine Unit Teams up with Air Support Unit to Disrupt Crime

Last month, a member of the Regina Police Service (RPS) Canine Unit was patrolling in the area when he observed fresh tire tracks next to an opening in a fence surrounding a commercial compound. The officer radioed the RPS Air Support Unit (ASU) to further investigate from above. Within minutes, the ASU aircrew confirmed, via thermal imaging, that there was a recently driven vehicle and two people inside the compound who appeared to be hiding behind a trailer.

The canine team, along with two patrol officers, made their way towards the two suspects, who had now cut a hole in a back fence and had climbed through. This was all observed by the TFO and relayed to officers on the ground.

The suspects were arrested without incident. Further investigation revealed the suspects had a truck and trailer in the compound loaded with a large amount of lumber. The truck was reported stolen and they were also in possession of break and enter tools. As a result of this investigation, two adult males ages 54 and 46 were arrested and charged.

Source: reginapolice.ca
 

Expand Your UAS Knowledge with RPIC Hybrid Course in March

APSA is pleased to offer a Remote Pilot-in-Command (RPIC) Course in a hybrid format. This course consists of an approximately 16-hour online, self-paced portion followed by a 4-hour live online review, Q&A and test preparation session. The course is intended for public safety personnel, both sworn and non-sworn, that are interested in obtaining their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under FAR PART 107. 

The self-paced portion is from March 4 through April 1, with the live session on April 2, 2024 from 1100 - 1500 EDT. The registration deadline is March 3 and the cost is $250. The registration fee includes a one-year APSA membership.
Register here. 

Can’t make these dates?  No worries.  APSA has three more of these courses scheduled throughout 2024.  
Click here for alternate dates. 
 

Complimentary Webinar Training Series Continues

Recognizing the need to provide training to those members who may not be able to travel to in-person APSA events, APSA offers a live, online monthly Webinar Series as part of our education and training program. Scheduled for Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 pm Eastern, the upcoming schedule and topics in this series are:

• January 18: Remote ID: Identifying What's Important, instructed by Tony DeMolina, Tactical Drone Concepts

• February 15: Fixed-Wing Tactics & Airborne Technology (fixed-wing focus), instructed by Rich Bookbinder, California Highway Patrol Office of Air Operation (Sgt./Pilot, Ret.)

• March 14: Focusing on Aerial Firefighting, instructed by Mike Sagely, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company

Registration for these webinars is open. To register, simply click on the webinar(s) you would 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.
 

Changes Coming to APSA NIST Course Offerings for 2024 - Next APSA UAS Basic NIST Course in Texas

APSA is pleased to offer the Basic and Advanced Proctor Training Courses based on the NIST sUAS Test Methods.  These test methods are an excellent way to add a sUAS pilot flight skills credentialing component to your sUAS program, and can also be used to evaluate sUAS capabilities and sensor systems.  Those registering for these courses must 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. 

Based on guidance provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), APSA is slightly modifying our course offerings based on the NIST sUAS Test Methods for 2024.  The Basic Proctor Training Course will be reduced from three to two days and cover all open test lanes (levels 1-3) as opposed to the current level 1 only.  The Advanced Proctor Training Course will remain a 3-day course but now incorporate all five proficiency test lanes (levels 1-3: Open; 4 – Obstructed; 5 – Confined).  This will eliminate the Confined Proctor Training Course as a standalone offering.     

The next scheduled Basic Proctor Training Course, April 16-17, 2024, is in Florence, TX at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Tactical Training Center. Registration is open.  This 16-hour course of classroom and hands-on flight instruction covers open test lane levels 1-3. Attendees will learn how to conduct trials and embed them into their own training and credentialing programs. Successful completion of this course will provide you with a Basic Proficiency Evaluation for Remote Pilot (BPERP) Certificate and NIST Test Methods Basic Proctor Certificate of Completion, allowing you to serve as a proctor for the BPERP evaluation.   

APSA is actively seeking entities to host these Basic and Advanced Courses. If your agency is interested in hosting any of these courses and receiving a free set of NIST sUAS Test Methods apparatus along with complimentary registration, please email Dan Schwarzbach or call him at 713-213-4749. 
 

Suspect Makes "Dirt Angels" At Construction Site While on The Run

A Florida man was seen making "dirt angels" on a construction site while hiding from police after crashing his car, according to footage captured by the Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit. According to a social media post from the HCSO, the moment was captured shortly after 7 p.m. Christmas Eve when deputies responded to a report of a car crash.

The 34-year-old driver managed to escape from a responding deputy who was gathering information at the scene. The suspect ignored the deputy's instructions to stop and climbed over a fence into a construction zone, where he was seen by HCSO's Aviation Unit lounging around in a pile of dirt, video captured by the helicopter shows. The man was apparently feeling the “holiday spirit” and made “dirt angels” while hiding in a culvert, according to HCSO.

"Just so you all know, he's just casually laying there with his arms behind his head," the pilot told deputies on the ground. After rolling around in the dirt, he appeared to take a phone call before he ran off again and climbed a different portion of the fence to escape. While still on the phone, he was met by three officers and a K-9, who told him to get on the ground. "Dashing away he hid in the dark. Down a pit in the soil he lay, at times perhaps feeling the holiday spirit, making "dirt angels" and making calls on his phone," HCSO cheekily wrote on X. "Then he rose! He sprang to the fence, up & over, only to find, not eight tiny reindeer, but 3 deputies & one dutiful K-9." HCSO thanked its aviation team for keeping an eye on him, writing: "Thanks to our Aviation Unit, who didn't see a big jolly man in red on Christmas Eve but instead found the man playing in dirt."

The man was charged with leaving the scene of an accident; driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license; and trespassing on a construction site, among other charges in connection to the bizarre incident.

Source: twitter.com and nypost.com
 

Donations Make Springfield Police Drone Program A Reality

Donors to a new Springfield Township (OH) Police Department drone program were honored by the police department at last month's Board of Trustees meeting. Pictured from left are Police Chief Jack Simone, Trustee Joe DiLauro, Paul McElroy, David Hofer, Jason Main from Akron Coach, Trustee Dean Young, Trustee Kellie Chapman and Officer Ty Klapp. 

When Springfield Police Department Officer Ty Klapp asked permission from Chief Jack Simone to start a drone program in the department, his first goal was to raise $20,000 in donations to purchase the drone itself. "I thought maybe by 2025 or 2026 he would reach that goal," Simone said. "He reached it in three months. I cannot say enough about the generosity of this community." Numerous businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to the purchase of the drone were recognized.

The department's DJI Matrice 30T drone is equipped with the best camera and highest level of thermal imaging technology on the market, and the agency said it will be indispensable to both the police and fire departments. Klapp said he and one other officer will be trained to operate the drone, which can be used in a wide array of incidents to help make the community safer.


Source: akron.com
 

Man Admits Aiming Laser Pointer at Denver Police Helicopter

A 43-year-old man pled guilty last month to a federal count of aiming a laser pointer at the Denver Police Department Air Support Unit helicopter "Air 1" aircraft. The laser strike occurred on March 2, 2023.

According to the plea agreement, the aircrew of Air 1 was assisting Colorado law enforcement agencies with aerial surveillance. While in flight, the aircraft was struck by a blue laser. The pilot of Air 1 at the time reported the laser strike caused flash blindness and intense pain in both of his eyes. He was able to maintain aircraft control until his visual orientation returned. While still in flight, the Air 1 crew used thermal imaging and cameras to identify where the laser originated and helped locate the suspect.

"A laser strike on an aircraft is not a game," FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said in a U.S. Attorney's Office release. "It's a serious action with possibly lethal consequences. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate these incidents." A federal judge will sentence the man on March 7, 2024

Laser strikes have garnered more attention in recent years after the rate of laser strikes rose by more than 250% between 2010 and 2019. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a total of 11,910 laser strikes were reported by pilots in 2023, including 310 in Colorado.

Source: kdvr.com
 

Add to Calendar: Join APSA's Online Meeting Groups

APSA conducts regularly scheduled online meetings for safety officers, maintenance technicians, SAR, natural resource, 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 registration@publicsafetyaviation.org.

The upcoming schedule for the APSA online group meetings are:
 
UAS: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Safety Officers: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
SAR: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Maintenance: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM EST (1800 UTC)
Natural Resources: Wednesday, March 27 from 1:00-2:00 pm EDT (1700 UTC)

You can see the full 2024 Online Meeting Group Schedule here. 
 

Two Florida Hikers Rescued from Alligator-Infested Swamp

Two hikers in Florida found themselves lost in an alligator-infested swamp at Cypress Creek Wilderness Preserve. The pair became disorientated while working their way through the 2,500-acre wilderness preserve near Tampa on December 23. At one point, the men were up to their knees in the murky water. As the daylight slowly faded, the hikers knew they were in trouble and called the emergency services knowing they were in an environment crawling with alligators, snakes and fire ants.

"We received a call from one of the lost hikers at 6:25 pm. They mentioned being lost for over four hours and attempting to find their way out unsuccessfully. They decided to call us as it got dark, and they found themselves in a swampy area," the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) explained.

The rescue plan was enacted immediately and a HCSO aircraft launched in an attempt to track down the lost men. The pair appeared to be extremely ill-equipped, without any fresh water and armed with just the light of a cellphone to help them see. HCSO Aviation Unit was quickly able to locate the duo with thermal imaging. Video from the copter shows the men being spotted through the trees from up above by about 7:30 pm. Using the pilot's guidance from up above, patrol deputies on the ground were able to reach the men through the swamp. The pair cheerfully greeted the deputies and were clearly happy to be found, the video shows. Neither was injured.

The officers then placed the unharmed pair between them and led them back out to safety. The sheriff's office said it, "swiftly sprang into action to locate and rescue them. Our Aviation Unit, equipped with night vision goggles, guided our patrol deputies to a swampy area where the hikers were located and safely escorted back to the entrance of the preserve."

Source: miamiherald.com

Gaston County Seeing Results with Drone Team

The Gaston County (NC) Police Department's Drone Team is going to great heights to keep people safe. There are 11 FAA-certified drone pilots, and the Drone Team has conducted 55 missions since the unit started in April 2022. There are four drones in their operation: three designed for outdoor use, one for indoors.

Last month, the Drone Team was called out to help search for a missing boy who ran away into a wooded area. "This drone has thermal technology and we were able to use that to determine where the heat signature of the missing juvenile was, and that's how we were able to identify him," says Scott Lambert, drone team leader.

"We can typically fly up to 400 feet unless we're within a certain distance of the Charlotte Airport," says Lambert. The drones allow officers a birds-eye view of something they can't see from the ground.

Source: wccbcharlotte.com
 

Winnipeg Man Arrested Following Violent Carjacking Incident

A 23-year-old driver in Winnipeg was getting out of his vehicle when he was approached by a man carrying a handgun, with his face partially concealed, who demanded the driver's keys and belongings. They two got into a fight, and the carjacker fired his gun, narrowly missing the victim and hitting the vehicle instead, police said.

The carjacker then got into the vehicle and drove away. The other man called police. Hours later, police officers spotted the stolen vehicle. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, "disregarding the rules of the road and endangering members of the general public," police said. With the help of Winnipeg Police Service helicopter and other units, police tracked the vehicle for about 20 minutes, eventually finding it in a parking lot. The driver, a 34-year-old man, was taken into custody.

The man faces more than two dozen charges, including armed robbery using a firearm, discharging a firearm with intent, dangerous driving, disguise with intent, six counts of breaching a probation order and several other firearms-related charges. Police said no injuries were reported, and the two men did not know each other.

Source:  www.cbc.ca
 

Man Sentenced to Three Years for Shooting at APD Helicopter

A 30-year-old man who was arrested for shooting at an Albuquerque (NM) Police Department Air Support Unit helicopter in March of 2023 pled no contest to aggravated assault upon an officer and negligent use of a deadly weapon last month. Judge Clara Moran sentenced the man to three years behind bars.

APD tactical units were working on a proactive policing operation when the shooting happened. The aircrew notified officers in the field and the tactical unit then responded, securing the scene and apprehending the man. According to a criminal complaint, two officers saw the man fire around four shots from an apartment at the police helicopter as he exited the residence. During the shooting, the pilot had to make defensive aircraft maneuvers to avoid being hit by gunfire. 

Source: www.krqe
 

Rhode Island Agency Launches Police Drone Program

The Tiverton (RI) Police Department has begun a public safety drone program. The department has purchased a DJI Mavic 3t drone and DJI Matrice 30 Series drone, each with multiple battery packs that will enable them to continue flying over long periods of time when needed. Chief Patrick Jones said the launch of the new program was supported by a $6,000 grant.

The drones are operated by a team of two officers, with Sgt. Ryan Huber or Sgt. Jason Kobelecki piloting the drone and another officer serving as a visual observer. Both drones have thermal and infrared capabilities. The live video feed is viewable to the pilot from the controller and can be digitally transmitted to other involved officers and administrators during flight.

The drones can be deployed in various scenarios, including for search and rescue, suspect apprehension, crime scene photography, traffic collision reconstruction, tactical operations and disaster response. The drones will also be used to assist with criminal investigations and searches, but always in accordance with the same rules and regulations that police must adhere to when conducting searches in person. The drones can only be used in accordance with established Rhode Island law regarding search and seizure, probable cause and search warrants.

In recent years, drones have become an effective tool for law enforcement agencies across the country to improve situational awareness in cases of searches, tactical operations and more. The devices offer real-time sight around and above buildings and into small areas, and infrared viewing capabilities enable effective searches in difficult terrain such as woods or marshes.

"Drones are a valuable technology that can modernize and enhance police operations and make volatile situations safer for our officers and community members," Chief Jones said. "We've already seen success in deploying the technology, and look forward to the public safety impact the drone program can have in Tiverton and as a mutual aid resource for other agencies. I would like to commend Sgts. Huber and Kobelecki for their work to bring this valuable technology to our town, and also extend my thanks to Rep. Edwards and Sen. Felag for the generous grant funding."

Source: jgpr.net
 

Dutch Police Equip Aircraft With Searchlights

The Dutch National Police Aviation Service has equipped its aircraft with state-of-the-art searchlights from Trakka Systems. Recent mid-life updates and equipment upgrades to the Air Support fleet have included the installation of five TrakkaBeam TLX high-intensity searchlights on the EC135 aircraft and two TrakkaBeam TLX units on the AW139 aircraft. These additions significantly enhance the night-time capabilities of the helicopters, enabling TFOs to execute crucial operations more effectively.

By utilizing Trakka's multi-spectral and covert-IR filters, searchlights minimize visible light output, enabling clandestine operations by units equipped with NVGs. Alternatively, the exceptionally bright 22,000 lumens of white light act as a beacon of safety during public emergencies and search and rescue operations. With the latest technologies empowering their aircraft, including Trakka Systems high-intensity searchlights, this powerful airborne unit stands ready to respond and protect, enhancing law enforcement and public safety for the Netherlands.

Source: Trakka Systems
 

RAVEN Pilot Retires After Lengthy Career

After 24 years with the Washoe County (NV) Sheriff's Office, Deputy Joseph Baumann retired at the end of 2023. Deputy Baumann worked with the WCSO's Regional Aviation Enforcement (RAVEN) Unit, starting as a HASTY volunteer 25 years ago and spending the last 15 years as a RAVEN pilot. The WCSO thanked Deputy Baumann for his service on their X page, saying they wish him and his family all the best.

"Deputy Baumann has been the heart of our RAVEN program and I am very proud of his efforts," Sheriff Darin Balaam added. "Thank you isn't enough for all you've done. Best wishes on your next chapter."

Source: 2news.com
 

Module Helps Update to USFS New Requirements

Technisonic Industries is proud to continue its support of the Aerial Firefighting Market with its introduction of Forestry Mode available on both the TDFM-9000 and TDFM-9300's. Forestry Mode addresses the space and installation challenges in the cockpit and antennas associated with updated United States Forestry Service (USFS) communications requirements.

Developed to meet the USFS communications requirements of multiple Main/Guard radios, Forestry Mode is an advanced software/hardware interface combination which allows the TDFM-9000 or TDFM-9300 to operate as either two or three forestry compliant radios. Main and Guard capability is addressed via software defined VHF-FM module grouping on the radios front panel. The ASU-9000 hardware switch sums each main and guard combination of Antenna, Mic, Audio and PTT ports to a single position, thereby requiring only two or three antennas and audio positions depending on radio configuration. The result being significant cockpit panel, antenna space and weight savings.

"With the introduction of the USFS's new radio requirements, operators found themselves in a space crunch both inside the cockpit and on the airframe itself," said Technisonics Director of Business Development Jim Huddock. "Cockpit real estate, audio system capacity, and antenna placements all became issues. Forestry Mode addresses these by utilizing the already compliant TDFM-9000 series radio and our new ASU-9000, antenna/audio switch to provide up to three fully compliant USFS radios in just 4.5 inches of panel space, where traditional radio set ups would require up to nine inches. Additionally, by utilizing our fully compliant P25 modules, channel capacity is now 3000 per module and Front Panel Programming is much simpler and more intuitive than ever."

Source: Technisonic Industries Ltd
 

Aircraft Mechanic Wanted for Oklahoma Air Support Unit

The Oklahoma City Police Department Air Support Unit is currently accepting applications for its helicopter mechanic position. The agency currently operates two Airbus H125s with a third on the way. A new hangar is well equipped including overhead gantry crane. Pictured is the hangar and mechanic’s office.

It is a 4-on, 3-off workweek with 11 paid holidays and accrued vacation and sick leave every paycheck. Fantastic health insurance with free life insurance policy. Tuition reimbursement is available. If interested go to www.Okc.gov/careers or you can see the posting at jsfirm.com.
Job posting closes Jan 15, 2024.
 

Leonardo Celebrates American Manufacturing Milestone

The 700th American-made helicopter was delivered from Leonardo's production line in Philadelphia late last year, representing an enormous milestone achievement in the United States. The actual 700th aircraft, an AW119Kx single engine, was delivered to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

While Leonardo began operating in the United States in 1980, it was only in 2004 when the site began to fully-produce helicopters on an FAA-Certified Part 21 Production Line. Beginning first in 2004 with the AW119 and in 2005 with the AW139, a 115,000 sq/ft addition was built onto the sprawling, 26-acre campus that already included aftermarket support and administrative functions for the US.

In less than 20 years, Leonardo has locally produced aircraft for a multitude of mission sets, including emergency medical, homeland security, search and rescue, firefighting, offshore energy, utility missions, corporate transportation and public safety. 

"The United States remains the world's largest market for helicopters and the constant expansion of our industrial and service capabilities in Philadelphia and other US locations over years has provided evidence of our commitment to being an in-country reliable and leading partner of US operators, industry players and authorities," said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. "While the achieved results speak for themselves, we are ready to do more as testified by the continued flow of AW119/AW139 export and the start of production of the first batch of customer AW609s, the world's first tiltrotor set to be civil certified," he said.

Source: Leonardo
 

Tourist Falls to Her Death While Taking Photos at Cliff

New York State Police are investigating after a woman fell to her death while taking photos with her husband at the top of a cliff in Minnewaska State Park last month. The 39-year-old woman and her 41-year-old husband were visiting from Singapore and hiking when they stopped to take photos on the edge of a cliff. The woman "lost her footing" and fell some 70 feet off the cliff. Her husband called 911. 

A New York State Police helicopter aircrew responded to the call and hoisted the victim. The woman was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, NYSP said. The incident remains under investigation.

Source: fox10tv.com
 

Share Your Knowledge in Air Beat, Writers Wanted

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.) Editorial topics include safety, training, maintenance, tactics and more. Our editorial team is always looking for public safety agencies that want to highlight their aviation unit or members who want to share their knowledge, so please reach out.

Whether your missions involve law enforcement, natural resource conservation, firefighting, emergency medical transport, or search and rescue, or if you operate helicopters, fixed-wing or unmanned platforms, we’d love to hear from you and be able to spotlight your agency in Air Beat this year.

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 December 2023:
 

Corporate Members:

Centum Research & Technology, S.L.
Seaside Helicopters

 

Individual Members:

Jeffrey Burns, Durham Regional Police Service
Steven Calhoun, Skyhigh Visuals
Ron Cullop, IRC Sheriffs office
Tristan Diedrich, Fresno (CA) Police Department | Air Support Unit
Jeremy Harmon, USFS
Andrew Heneghan, Maryland State Police Aviation Command
Michael Johnsen, Sauk-Suiattle Police Department
Adam Johnston, Seiler Public Safety
Joshua La Pointe, California Highway Patrol | Office of Air Operations
Ermes Maqueira, Ontario Police Department
Thompson Michael, Eastern Virginia Medical School Police and Public Safety
Tavis Miller, Wilmington Police Department
Pete Morrow, Metro Air Support Unit of St. Louis (MO)
Shawn Muller, Metro Air Support Unit of St. Louis (MO)
Charles Parsons, The DALLES Police
Dustin Schmidt, Metro Air Support Unit of St. Louis (MO)
Parker Thornley, Alachua County (FL) Sheriff's Office | Aviation Unit
    

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! 

Get Your Organization's News Online

Send your press releases, company logos and photos to:

Lisa Wright
Editorial Director
airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org

Join Our Mailing List

APSA's Monthly E-Newsletters are designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. Our E-Newsletters are distributed by email, as an additional benefit to our membership. To join our mailing list, you must be a member. If you are not a member of APSA, sign up today!

Advertise in APSA's E-Newsletter

For rates and availability, contact:

Emily Tarr
Sales Representative
(205) 563-9313 office
etarr@PublicSafetyAviation.org
http://www.publicsafetyaviation.org

Top

This newsletter is published monthly by the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), a public benefit, non-profit California corporation. APSA is comprised of air crew and air support personnel in public safety and others who support, promote, and advance the safe and effective use of aircraft by governmental agencies in support of public safety operations.

(c) Copyright 2024 by the Airborne Public Safety Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this newsletter in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor is prohibited. Product and corporate names mentioned in this newsletter are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof.

Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc.
50 Carroll Creek Way
Suite 260
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone (301) 631-2406
Fax (301) 631-2466

Top