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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. California Pilot Dies In Line Of Duty
Officer Danny Benavides, 39, was found dead in the wreckage of his Cessna 206 aircraft on the San Diego-Imperial County line after the CHP's Communication Center lost radio contact with the sole pilot. Multiple police and rescue agencies immediately began searching for the pilot. A California State Parks Air Unit found the wreckage in a rugged mountainous area. Benavides was a 13-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol and was assigned to the Border Division Thermal Air Operations Unit since July 2006. The unit uses small aircraft to monitor freeways and radio information about speeders on freeways in Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties. It is common for CHP fixed-wing pilots to work single man crews during daylight hours as long as they avoid Class B airspace. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash. Benavides's funeral and gravesite ceremony was conducted on May 14. There were approximately 1,500 officers from across the country who attended. A fly-by was conducted by one CHP helicopter and two CHP airplanes, which concluded with one of the airplanes performing the “missing man” formation. Source: www.kpsplocal2.com Australia Buys Twin-Engine Police Aircraft
The AS354 can perform missions in the most severe climatic conditions at high altitudes and high temperatures. Its large power margin allows rooftop landings and takeoffs in urban areas. O'Callaghan said, "Having two helicopters will increase the capacity of Western Australia Police to provide aerial support to frontline policing, search and rescue, counter-terrorism operations and emergency management response." The helicopter is due to be delivered in September 2011. Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com RCMP To Sell Seized Aircraft Parts
A forfeiture notice was issued containing the names of two men believed to have piloted the helicopter, but no one came forward before the deadline of May 15. “It was used contrary to Transport Canada guidelines,” RCMP Sgt. Dennis Blanch said in a news report. “There would be significant penalties under the guidelines that anybody coming forward would have to answer to.” Proceeds from the sale of aircraft's parts will go to the B.C. province, and portions of that money will go to crime prevention initiatives. The criminal organization that used the seized helicopter is still active, Blanch explained. “Our number one choice is to enforce drug crimes, but by removing assets, it puts a small dint in the pocketbooks of criminal organizations. They are looking over their shoulders now.” Source: www.metronews.ca Philippine Police Voluntarily Ground Aircraft
Chief Superintendent Leocardio Santiago, Director of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), said the grounding of the three Robinson R44 Raven II police helicopters was just a precautionary measure. The SAF takes care of the PNP's air assets. The PNP will be waiting for the results of the investigation before making its next move. Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net UK Agency Aircraft Vandalized Again
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward said, "This was a brazen but unsuccessful attempt to seriously damage the force helicopter and a force-wide search is on to catch those responsible. The fact that this is the second attempt to damage the aircraft within the last eight months shows just how big an impact we are having on targeting serious, organized criminals in Merseyside.” After the first incident happened in October 2009, heightened security measures were put in place, so the damage to the helicopter in this attack is minimal. "We are confident it (the aircraft) will be back to being operational very quickly once all the necessary safety checks have been made," remarked Ward. Source: www.clickliverpool.com City Police Merge With Sheriff's Office Aviation
“It's a good deal for Lakeland because it gives the city air patrol, which it doesn't now have,” Police Chief Roger Boatner said. The Sheriff's Office will be in charge of the merged aviation unit, supplying the pilots, who will have countywide jurisdiction. The Lakeland Police Department will continue to own the helicopter, but the Sheriff's Office will pay for its insurance. The contract runs through January 2013, when it can be renewed. Source: www.theledger.com Training Accident Causes Aircraft Damage A Virginia State Police Aviation helicopter made an emergency landing after a training flight last month. It was 300 feet when, as the pilot described it, the worst possible thing that can happen in a helicopter did. The crew heard a loud pop, then the engine stopped running. Five seconds later, they smashed into a field, but, remarkably, upright. Neither trooper inside was injured. The pilot performed an autorotation maneuver, barely missing the treetops as they dropped. The Bell 407 hit the ground hard enough to bounce once before skidding to a stop. “I'm just glad to be alive,” the pilot said, “it could have been a much worse outcome.” The damage is estimated at $100,000 to the helicopter, which is used for medical rescues and police missions. The Virginia State Police, along with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the incident. Source: www2.tricities.com/tri/news Pasadena Hosted Annual Fly-In BBQ
The first fly-in hosted by the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) was held at the department's heliport. Back then, members of the PPD aircrew kicked in $50 each to pay for expenses. Since that time, not only the venue has changed but also the way the aircrew pays for the event. In the current economic climate, it was important to ensure that no public funds were used for the event. Vendors paid a small fee to participate. Aircrews not only have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from one another, but also to see the latest technology available to them to assist in their crime fighting efforts. Future plans for PPD's annual event include formalized training in connection with the fly-in and a continued focus on information exchange between aircrews. “This event presents a unique opportunity for aircrews to collaborate and talk about best practices, safety and resource sharing and allocation, while enjoying the camaraderie shared by those in the law enforcement profession,” said Captain Robert Mulhall, the officer in charge of Pasadena's Air Operations Section. “The event was a great success. We look forward to hosting it again next year.” Source: PPD Man Claims Helicopter Harassment; Wants $25 Million? A 57-year-old California man is asking the City of Huntington Beach for $25 million after claiming that police helicopters and airplanes has been following him. The man said he is under "constant surveillance" by aircraft that have followed him about 20 times a day since June 2008. The alleged harassment has caused him distress and has ended some of his relationships, the claim said. Huntington Beach (CA) Police Department officials said they spoke with the man last year about his concerns and that his recent claim is without merit. "Last year when he described the helicopter that was following him, he described it as green with a big yellow star on the side. Our helicopter is blue with a white stripe and a badge," a department spokesman said. Source: www.ocregister.com A-Star Flight Training Device Available
FlightSafety's initial and recurrent AS350 training programs include aircraft systems, emergency and abnormal procedures as well as human factors and specialty training such as inadvertent IMC. The company offers a fleet of 15 helicopter simulators and other advanced training. Source: www.shephard.co.uk Memphis Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing
Reports indicated a pilot and training instructor were aboard the aircraft at an altitude of approximately 500 feet when they were forced to make an unexplained emergency landing. "The tailboom was cut in half by the main rotor," said MPD Major Vernell Stepter. "We won't have full details of this incident until the FAA completes their investigation." Both the pilot and his instructor were able to walk away, but complained of numbness in the back. The instructor was taken to the hospital. The helicopter sustained extensive damage. Source: www.myeyewitnessnews.com SPARE to Enforce Nighttime Seat Belt Usage
Source: www.yorkdispatch.com
Source: bellhelicopter.textron.com Free Software Trial for APSA Members
SkyBOOKS provides analyst-supported, web-based aviation solutions to flight operations via its own highly secure Tier 4 data center. SkyBOOKS manages the information processing requirements for any size rotary- and fixed-wing aviation operation over the Internet on a subscription basis. More information is available atwww.SkyBOOKS.com or email to sales@skybooks.com. Source: Police Aviation News
APSA Hosts 40th Annual Conference & Exposition
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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger sent condolences last month to the family of California Highway Patrol Officer Pilot Danny Benavidas, who was killed in a plane crash on May 7. "Officer Benavides dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of California residents, and his honorable service will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Benavides' family during this difficult time,'' said Schwarzenegger.
The Western Australia Police Service will acquire a second helicopter after signing a $10 million contract last month. The agency is buying a new Eurocopter Dauphin AS354 medium twin-engine aircraft. Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan said the deal finally marked the end of the "untenable situation" of the police department having only one helicopter, an aging BK117.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is auctioning off parts of a stripped-down Bell 206-B Jet Ranger that was seized in February after authorities determined it was being used for cross-border drug smuggling.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) grounded three of its six helicopters last month. Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the PNP implemented a "self-imposed non-usage" of its three new Raven 44 choppers until a crash investigation is complete by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Last month, a similar model aircraft that was carrying former Quezon Governor Rafael Nantes and four others crashed and burst into flames upon hitting the ground.
A Merseyside (UK) Police Air Support Group helicopter was vandalized on May 17. A police spokesperson confirmed that four intruders gained access to aircraft's hangar and were able to cause minor damage to the aircraft. The intruders left the base in a stolen vehicle that was later found abandoned. An extensive search for the intruders is still underway.
The City of Lakeland (FL) and the Polk County (FL) Sheriff's Office finalized a deal last month to merge their helicopter operations. The new “Joint Aviation Unit” will be headed by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which owns two helicopters.
Last month, the Pasadena (CA) Police Department Air Operations Section hosted its 21st Annual Fly-In Barbecue. The event brought law enforcement aircrews from throughout Southern California to the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. Aircrews were able to network with one another and exchange information about a variety of topics including unit operations, flight safety and new flight technology.
FlightSafety International's flight training device for the AS350 B2 was certified for night vision goggle training last month. The FAA Level 7-qualified flight training device (FTD) is located at FlightSafety's Learning Center in Tucson, AZ. It is equipped with a visual system that provides 220-degree by 100-degree (60 degrees down and 40 degrees up) wrap around visual capability. The visual system offers highly detailed, texture enhanced scenes and excels in its realistic presentation of both routine and critical weather conditions. It is also equipped with a vibrating motion base that enhances the training experience by adding a new level of realism to the training scenarios.
Two officers with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Air Support Unit were injured on May 30 when they were forced to make an emergency landing during a training exercise. The MPD has four helicopters in its fleet, including three Bell Jet Rangers and one Eurocopter AS350. It's not clear which model was involved in the accident.
Pennsylvania State Police launched the “Air, Land and Speed” campaign in conjunction with the state's “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement effort from May 24 to June 13. The campaign will include State Police Aerial Reconnaissance and Enforcement (SPARE), which use aircraft to clock motorists' speed and radio to troopers on the ground. Enforcing nighttime seat belt usage is a priority of the campaign. State and local police issued more than 6,600 seat belt citations and more than 400 child safety seat violations in 2009, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The Bell Helicopter Training Academy placed its new 429 flight training device (FTD) in service last month. This device, the first simulator for the 429 aircraft in the industry, was built to Level 7 specifications and is slated for FAA Level 6 certification by early 2011. Frasca International designed and built this state-of-the art training simulator.
SkyBOOKS, Inc. is offering free trial subscriptions to their electronic record-keeping program for APSA members. APSA members that qualify for the limited-time offer will receive “Flight Operations and Pilot Currency Tracking”, “Maintenance Tracking and Reporting”, “Inventory Management”, and “Digital Document Management and Vault Storage”.
On June 19, 2010, the American Heroes Air Show will take place in Seattle, WA at the Museum of Flight. The all-helicopter aviation event is a truly unique opportunity for the public to meet local aviation heroes. Admission is free to the static display area where the public can explore helicopters from law enforcement, government agencies and emergency medical operators.
What better chance to stay educated, keep up-to-date with industry trends, see new products and services, and maintain and build relationships in the airborne law enforcement profession than the upcoming APSA 40th Annual Conference & Exposition. If you haven't already, make plans now to join us July 14-17, 2010 in Tucson, AZ. Click here for online information and registration
