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APSA's E-Newsletter is designed to help keep you informed on the very latest information in the airborne law enforcement industry. The E-Newsletter may also be read online here at our website. APSA Award & Scholarship Recipients Honored
Awards
Scholarships
See the September/October issue of Air Beat for a complete recap of the conference, award winners, and scholarship recipients. Injured Hiker Saves Flight Officer Hit By Copter Blades
The injured police officer was one of two aircrew called out to pick up Jeremy Kilburn, a major with the U.S. Air Force who has served as a trauma surgeon in Afghanistan. After the helicopter landed on what was described as a granite rock next to a steep embankment, the aircraft's rotor blades hit the officer as he started to climb up the embankment to get to the hiker. Dr. Kilburn's friend and other hikers from a youth group carried the injured doctor down an embankment in the forest so he could provide medical aid to the injured CHP officer. The team of improbable heroes then loaded the critically injured flight officer onto the helicopter, which then made the 41-mile flight to a hospital. Because of privacy rules, the CHP is not revealing the exact nature of the officer's injuries or releasing his condition, but officials had initially described his injuries as "critical" and "lucky to be alive". A CHP spokesman credited Dr. Kilburn and those hikers with saving the officer's life. SOURCE: http://news.yahoo.com Three Successful Rescues Within One Hour
The first rescue call came when authorities received word that a man had taken a fall and tumbled about 80 feet down Eaton Canyon. As soon as the injured hiker was safely in the aircraft, the helicopter crew noticed another man who was "precariously perched" on a sheer cliff face about 150 feet above the canyon floor and unable to move. A flight paramedic was lowered down to the man from the helicopter and hoisted back into the aircraft. The aircrew then flew to a local hospital. While at the hospital, Air Rescue 5 received a call of yet another person who had fallen over 60 feet at the base of Hermit Falls. The aircrew responded to the scene and, once again, treated the hiker, hoisted him up into the helicopter and flew him to a hospital. SOURCE: www.officer.com Baltimore Upgrades Fleet; Accepts Two Deliveries
BPD utilizes its fleet of EC120s for law enforcement missions that include patrol and support, as well as homeland security missions. The department had the first EC120 in the world to reach 10,000 flight hours, and a second BPD aircraft recently reached that milestone. "The EC120 offers a high-technology, low-cost solution, and it is the best-selling, light single-engine turbine helicopter in the law enforcement market for the past 10 years," stated Ed Van Winkle, American Eurocopter's Law Enforcement Sales Manager. "It also offers the most modern design and advanced technology of any other aircraft in its class, featuring the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and Fenestron anti-torque system." American Eurocopter completed BPD's EC120s which feature advanced avionics and mission equipment, including thermal imager, searchlight, moving map and video downlink systems. These aircraft are unique in that they have been completed with both front seat and rear seat consoles for tactical flight officers, which were custom-designed by American Eurocopter. SOURCE: American Eurocopter FHP Earns APSAC Accreditation
FHP dedicated time and resources to enhance policies and procedures that encompass new safety, maintenance and training requirements, which led to successful accreditation. Since 1962, the Aviation Unit's mission has been to support ground troopers through aerial traffic enforcement, surveillance, LoJack stolen vehicle tracking, photography, disaster relief supply, equipment and personnel transportation, medical relays, roadway patrols and other services as requested. With today's fleet of eight Cessna single-engine aircraft and one Piper twin-engine fixed-wing aircraft, FHP's Aviation Unit provides the services it historically has in the past but with a robust capability and a safe operating environment that is second to none. The accreditation confirms the FHP's commitment to providing the highest quality of service to motorists in Florida. Pictured here are APSA Southeast Region Director Kevin Vislocky, APSA President Kurt Frisz, APSAC Vice President Roy Swetnam and APSAC President Jim Di Giovanna presenting to FHP's Aviation Section Captain Matthew W. Walker (Unit Commander), Lt. Miguel Cendan (Training Officer), Master Sgt. Gary Schluter (Safety Coordinator), and Master Sgt. Luis Badia (Maintenance Officer). In addition to being awarded full accreditation, the FHP Aviation Unit was also awarded a $2,000 grant sponsored by American Eurocopter. For more information on the APSAC accreditation program, please contact Jim Di Giovanna atjames47@gmail.com or Don Roby @ droby@zoominternet.net. UK Man Jailed For Targeting Police Helicopter
Superintendent Ian Smith of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Operations Unit said, "Anyone who shines a laser at an aircraft performs a dangerous and reckless act. When a laser is directed at any aircraft, it puts life at risk and, in the case of the police helicopter, hinders the apprehension of offenders and delays the investigation of crime." SOURCE: www.thewestonmercury.co.uk Fairfax County Police Receives Bell 429
"It's an amazing machine," said Andrew Edgerton, one of six FCPD pilots. "The power and performance is extremely impressive, and it's very easy to fly. For me, it's like flying a slightly wider Bell 407 - they really got that right with this aircraft." The FCPD's Aviation Unit received its first Bell 429 in December of 2011 and has since executed 900 missions in an effort to protect the 1.2 million people who reside in Fairfax County. In seven months, the FCPD's first 429 helicopter performed 40 medical evacuations and directly assisted in 34 arrests. SOURCE: rotorpad.com Laser Defense Training For APSA Members
Night Flight Concepts developed the Laser Armor Laser Defense Training in partnership with Dr. Dudley Crosson, aviation physiologist, educator, and APSA Aeromedical Liaison. Dr. Crosson noted, "With ever-more powerful lasers coming available to the public, the threat posed by laser strikes to fixed-wing and rotary-wing operators is very real." Crosson affirms training can help aircrews to "expect the unexpected." He notes, "Upon completion of the Laser Armor training program, students have a sound understanding of the affects of lasing, methods for mitigating the problem and recommendations for safety management systems, including mandatory requirements for pilot/crew retinal scans to establish vision performance baselines." The Laser Armor Laser Defense Training is self-paced and teaches aircrew members the capabilities, limitations and preventative measures required to respond to a laser strike. The program covers mitigation techniques most effective in the public safety sector of aviation. To learn more about the $95 special offer on Laser Armor Laser Defense training for APSA members, call 888-632-8764 or write toinfo@nightflightconcepts.com. Ohio Agency Upgrades Radio System For Entire Fleet
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Division has been using the NAT Tac/Com system (now licensed to AEM) for many years and determined that the best fit going forward was the newer generation of the Tac/Com product available from AEM. "We are very proud to be the tactical radio system solution provider for the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Aviation Division and to see the ongoing value of the Tac/Com radios as demonstrated by their selection," said AEM's VP of Business Development Ray Lewis. Delivery of the Tac/Com radio systems will begin later this summer. SOURCE: AEM Agencies Honored For Use Of Night Vision
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Atlanta (GA) Police Department Aviation Unit and Broward County (FL) Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit were presented with a 5-year service award. Butte County (CA) Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit was presented with a 10-year service award. The Mark of Excellence Award was presented to the Las Vegas (NV) Metro Police Department Air Support Section. The RCMP was also presented the Community Awareness Award for their work in pioneering NVG use in Canada and for their efforts during the Olympic Games and the G8 Summit. "The 2010 Winter Olympic Games and the G8 were exciting times to be in airborne law enforcement. The use of NVGs was invaluable to the aircrews. To be recognized by our peers for community awareness and a job well done is a tremendous honor," said Roger Thomson. The purpose of the night vision awards is to promote operational leadership and excellence in the use of night vision. Nominations are accepted year round. Award nomination packets can be downloaded or filled out athttp://www.nightvisionawards.com. A full list of previous winners and award description can be found on the website also. Italian Police Orders Two AW139 Helicopters
These aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including law enforcement, border patrol and other public utility applications. The replacement of old helicopter models with AW139s supports the fleet modernization plans of the Italian Police and benefits the communities they serve across national borders. The AW139 has also been chosen by and is in service with the Italian Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza (Customs and Border protection) and the Italian Air Force. SOURCE: http://www.agustawestland.com Utah Purchases New Version of AStar Aircraft
"When we decided to add a third aircraft to our fleet, we knew we needed something with the performance and capacity that would allow us to complete our wide variety of missions," said Utah Highway Patrol Captain Luke Bowman. "We regularly fly missions at 12,000 feet and the AS350 B3e delivers the performance to work at those altitudes with power to spare. With the AStar's wider cabin and flat floor, we can accommodate more mission equipment and cargo," he said. The AS350 B3e is the latest version of the AStar family. It is powered by a new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine that delivers a higher cruise speed and is equipped with a new dual-channel FADEC and Engine Data Recorder, which enhance safety and system management. The Utah Highway Patrol utilizes its helicopters as force multipliers to complete the Aero Bureau's mission to provide professional, timely and safe aviation support to the Utah Department of Public Safety and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with the goal of providing a safe and secure environment for the citizens of Utah. SOURCE: American Eurocopter IIMC & Mission Training Simulator Educates Pilots
"Inadvertent IMC conditions are a serious risk throughout the industry. American Eurocopter introduced its IIMC training course during APSA's 2011 conference to coincide with the NTSB recommendation for APSAC to require inadvertent IMC recovery training in its accreditation standards," explained Jack Reichert, American Eurocopter's simulator marketing consultant. "American Eurocopter has received a tremendous response for its course from airborne law enforcement pilots, both Eurocopter and non-Eurocopter customers, and expects this to increase as more people learn about the course." With the unique capabilities of the AS350 simulator, the course was designed to be non-airframe specific. This allows pilots of any helicopter type to receive this important training. After a quick familiarization with the controls of the simulator, pilots are flying and the training begins. Two examples of non-Eurocopter customers who completed the IIMC training course are the Houston Police Department's Aviation Unit and the Gwinnett County Police Department. The Houston Police Department's Air Support Division sent all of its pilots through the IIMC course. "We chose this course because we recognize the importance of this potentially lifesaving training and the benefits of conducting it in a full-motion simulator," explained Daniel B. Schwarzbach, Senior Police Officer/Pilot, Houston Police Department Air Support Division. The training also helped the department fulfill the requirements for accreditation through the Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Gwinnett County Police Department's Aviation Manager and Certified Flight Instructor Marcus Head took the course to evaluate it for inclusion in the department's training program. "The IIMC Recovery Course and simulator experience gave me an increased awareness of the hazards associated with inadvertently flying a helicopter into instrument conditions," he said. "It is this type of training that can help pilots make better decisions when they encounter the unknown." The AS350 Level B Full-Motion Flight & Mission Training Simulator can be customized to accommodate various settings and provide realistic scenarios. It can incorporate inadvertent IMC conditions into customer-specific missions and environments, so pilots can experience the effects of inadvertent IMC while performing missions in environments similar to their own. For more information, please send an email totraining@eurocopterusa.com. SOURCE: American Eurocopter Maryland State Police To Purchase Three More AW139s
The new AW139s feature the most spacious cabin available on the market with a custom designed medevac interior. The AW139 cabin is 57% larger than the Dauphin helicopters that they are replacing. MSP Aviation Command will benefit from the expanded capability afforded by the AW139 platform to more fully meet their missions. AgustaWestland continues to expand its Philadelphia, PA based production facility. A leading local employer, the Philadelphia facility is home to the worldwide production of the AW119Ke light single-engine platform, in addition to production of the medium-twin AW139 and final completions of the AW109 Power and GrandNew light-twin platforms. With convenient roll-on/roll-off services and close proximity to its Philadelphia assembly plant, AgustaWestland routinely ships and receives assembled helicopters and helicopter components through the Port of Baltimore's Dundalk Marine Terminal. SOURCE: AgustaWestland St. Louis Expands Fleet To Seven Aircraft
The St. Louis County's aviation unit began in 1971, and upgraded to the latest version MD 500E helicopter in 1985. In 1987, the unit followed with another MD 500E helicopter and, shortly thereafter, acquired three OH6A military surplus helicopters. In 2009, the St. Louis Metro Air Support Unit rounded out its fleet to six helicopters with a third MD 500E helicopter. With their latest order, the Metro Air Support Unit has expanded its fleet to seven helicopters, as the unit patrols over 1,500 square miles and responds to calls for service in the surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois. The newest MD 500E will not only increase support to the region's infrastructure but, with the latest geographic information system and cockpit technology, it will enhance the unit's ability to perform search and rescue missions. The other two agencies associated with the Metro Air Support Unit are the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department. SOURCE: www.kpho.com Cayman Police Helicopter Certified For Medical Emergencies
Now able to be deployed in a medical emergency as well as used in crime fighting and border patrol missions, the helicopter's role as an air ambulance would be a priority for the Air Support Unit, Police Commissioner David Baines explained. He said that where there was a choice between a drug interdiction and a life to be saved in a critical road accident, the life would come first. Baines said that the chopper had completely changed the way the RCIPS was able to fight crime and the more uses the machine could have, the more value the public would get from the investment. SOURCE: www.caymannewsservice.com Western Region Safety Seminar; Make Plans For San Diego!
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During the recently completed Annual Conference & Exposition in Reno, APSA announced the 2012 awards winners and scholarship recipients. The Association has six awards to recognize deserving individuals for outstanding acts of valor or meritorious service and 13 scholarships totaling $29,500 to recognize the academic achievements of our member's children. This year's honorees are:
The rotor blades of a helicopter struck a California Highway Patrol flight officer last month, severely wounding him as he worked to rescue an injured hiker stranded in rugged, remote terrain. And in an unlikely twist, the California Highway Patrol credited the hiker, a military doctor who suffered a broken leg in a fall, with helping to save the CHP flight officer's life.
A Los Angeles County (CA) Sheriff's Department (LASD) Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew had a busy afternoon last month hoisting three injured hikers out of the Angeles National Forest within an hour in three separate incidents.
Last year, the Baltimore (MD) Police Department (BPD) Aviation Unit ordered four new EC120s as part of a fleet renewal program. The delivery of two of those new aircraft took place last month. Pictured here are members of American Eurocopter's Sales & Marketing team with members of the BPD in front of the department's newest EC120 displayed at APSA's conference in Reno.
The Airborne Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (APSAC) presented an Accreditation Certificate to members of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Aviation Unit last month. FHP is the third agency in the United States to earn this distinction.
A 23-year-old man was sentenced to six months in prison last month after admitting a crime that Crown Prosecution Service magistrates said could have had a catastrophic effect. The prosecutor said the helicopter's cockpit had been illuminated, not allowing the crew to use their flight instruments. The beam also hit one of the pilot's eyes, but he managed to move the aircraft away from the light while he talked ground police officers to the man's address.
Fairfax County (VA) Police Department (FCPD) Aviation Unit received its second Bell 429, configured for both law enforcement and emergency medical service operations, last month. "We rely on the power, speed, size and accessibility of the cabin, and the exceptional maneuverability that the 429 delivers during police operations," said FCPD Chief Pilot Paul Schaaf. "Our law enforcement operations include responses to car chases, robberies, missing persons, burglaries, and car theft. We are the eyes in the sky to help the officers on the ground. We have to be ready 24/7 and we get off the ground quickly in the 429," Schaaf added.
APSA signed an agreement with Night Flight Concepts last month for the provision of Laser ArmorTM Laser Defense training to members to help counter the danger of laser strikes. "The increasing number and severity of laser attacks against APSA members is of tremendous concern to our organization," said APSA Executive Director Steve Ingley. "This agreement is part of APSA's ongoing commitment to serving our members. We believe the Laser Armor online training program provides APSA members with critical information needed to prepare for, and protect against, damage to equipment and personnel from the illumination of cockpits due to laser strikes."
Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Division selected Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) Tactical Communication systems (Tac/Com) for the VHF-FM and UHF-FM radio system upgrade for their entire aviation fleet. AEM, together with their US distributor EDMO, worked diligently with Spirit Avionics to help the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Aviation Division define and refine their system requirements.
Night vision awards were presented at APSA's annual conference in Reno, Nevada before a crowd of approximately 300 people last month. "It was great to honor the accomplishments of these great law enforcement organizations," said co-sponsor Aviation Specialties Unlimited Director of Sales and Marketing Hannah Gordon. "Each winner has compelling stories about how night vision systems aided them in their mission to protect and serve their communities." Co-sponsor Night Flight Concepts President Adam Aldous said, "NFC congratulates the winners of the 2012 Night Vision Awards for their demonstrated leadership and ongoing commitment to NVG operational excellence, NVG safety and community awareness."
The Italian Police (Polizia di Statohas) placed an order last month for two AW139 intermediate-twin helicopters. The contract is partially funded by the UE FRONTEX program aimed at supporting coordination and development of the European Union's border management. Also included in the contract is a comprehensive support and training package for crews and maintenance personnel plus options for an additional six helicopters to be exercised within late 2012 and early 2013.
Utah Highway Patrol's Aero Bureau purchased an AS350 B3e last month. The new B3e will bring enhanced capabilities to the unit's current fleet of two AS350 B2s that support law enforcement agencies statewide.
American Eurocopter's Inadvertent Instrument Meteorological Condition (IIMC) training course is an advanced safety innovation for helicopter operators of all models and missions. The course utilizes American Eurocopter's AS350 Level B Full-Motion Flight and Mission Training Simulator to introduce pilots to the intense challenges of an IIMC encounter and the realism and feel of initiating a proper recovery.
Maryland State Police (MSP) Aviation Command has executed options under their current AgustaWestland contract for three additional AW139 medium-twin helicopters. These aircraft will be used for emergency medical, search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions. This order follows an initial contract for six AW139s placed in 2010.
The St. Louis (MO) Metro Air Support Unit ordered a new MD 500E that will enhance the unit's ability to perform search and rescue missions and support first responders. Unit Captain Jon Belmar stated, "The new addition will be a tremendous asset and increase our ability to patrol and provide support to the St. Louis County region."
Four members of the Royal Cayman Island Police Service (RCIPS) Air Support Unit were certified last month as emergency medical responders and, as a result, the police helicopter will now be able to act as an air ambulance. As RCIPS Air Support Unit is now classified as one of the first Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) of its kind in the region, it will carry medical equipment such as a heart defibrillator that was donated by the Cayman Heart Fund. Helicopter awareness and safety training for the EMT paramedics is also underway and this will allow qualified health professionals to be on board the helicopter when needed.
APSA's Western Region Safety Seminar will take place September 4-6, 2012 in San Diego, CA. A full educational agenda that includes water survival training, as well as registration information, is available at 
