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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. Virginia Enacts State Law Prohibiting Pointing Lasers
The Virginia General Assembly passed the legislation, House Bill 87, during its 2012 regular session and Governor Bob McDonnell signed it into law. The bill states, “Any person who knowingly and intentionally projects a point of light from a laser, laser gun sight, or any other device that simulates a laser at an aircraft is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.†A Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. The bill will be added to an existing state law that forbids interfering with the operation of an aircraft. Under that law, if the interference endangers the life of the pilot or anybody else, it's a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. The man was convicted for flashing a laser pointer at a Virginia Beach Police Department helicopter from his backyard on November 1, 2011. The helicopter was assisting ground units in pursuing someone who had run from a traffic stop. The pilot suffered temporary blindness from the laser strike, and the co-pilot assumed control of the helicopter. The pilots flew over the man's residence. He ran back into the house, came back out and then continued to point the laser at the helicopter, according to Neil MacBride, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. When police arrived, the man confessed. SOURCE: www.henricocitizen.com FAA Gives Police Permission to Operate UAS
In February, President Obama signed a reauthorization bill that directed the FAA to speed up the process that police departments and first responders must go through to get permission to fly UAS. The bill focused on drones that weighed 4.4 pounds or less and would fly no higher than 400 feet. Under new guidelines posted in a statement on the FAA's website, law enforcement can fly drones that weigh up to 25 pounds. The statement did not explain why the increase was granted. The UAS can be flown up to 400 feet in the air. The pilot handling the drone must be able to see the small aircraft and cannot be within five miles of an airport or other aviation activity. Operational permits have also been extended to last two years instead of one. "The FAA continues to move aggressively toward the safe, timely and efficient integration of UAS into the nation's air transportation system," the statement said. The reauthorization bill also directs the FAA to develop regulations that will allow other commercial and private drone uses by 2015. Law enforcement agencies can now apply for permits with the FAA online atwww.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/cert/. The FAA can grant immediate temporary permission to an organization if a drone is being used for disaster or humanitarian relief. SOURCE: www.scpr.org Minnesota Trooper Leaps from Helicopter to Rescue Stuck Man
Using night vision goggles, thermal imaging and a spotlight, the pilots were able to locate the man, but each time the helicopter hovered close, he began acting erratically, most likely caused by the onset of hypothermia. As the helicopter hovered, one of the troopers jumped out, sinking knee-deep into the bog. The trooper handcuffed the trapped rider (for his own protection) and placed him in the back of the helicopter. Cold, shaking and wet, the rescued rider was flown to an ambulance for evaluation and treatment. SOURCE: www.myfoxtwincities.com Georgia Pilots Refresh Emergency Procedures Skills
This vital training comes prior to the start up of the Georgia Governor's Taskforce on Marijuana Eradication. During the next several months, pilots will be exposed to various conditions of flight, some routine and others dangerous. This training program sets the mindset of the pilots to be prepared just in case an unexpected emergency condition presents itself. In addition to the training, GSP pilots and tactical flight officers recently changed their attire from the green military flight suit and Army helmet to a grey flight suit and a metallic blue flight helmet. The flight suits are a Nomex fire resistant material and the helmets are state-of-the-art technology with active noise reduction hearing protection, and are part of the equipment used in the unit's new Safety Management System. SOURCE: GSP 
Wear Face Protection; Bird Strike Danger Looms Anaheim (CA) Police Department Air Support encountered a bird strike last month and shared details. "We were flying in one of our AStars about a thousand feet above the ground and were going as fast as the helicopter would, as we were on our way to an in-progress crime," explained the TFO. "We saw a flock of about five sea gulls ahead of us, and four of them got out of our way. The fifth was slightly higher than we were and dove into our path. He (or she) collided with the nose of the helicopter, just inches below the pilot's-side windscreen. The impact was very loud, and we instantly got a single feather inside the cockpit. We knew there was damage, so we cancelled our response and headed to the airport." The hole left by the impact was about 5" x 4" at its largest point. The aircrew found none of the sea gull inside the helicopter, but the collision damaged a support beam underneath the helicopter's composite skin. Repair estimates are about $15,000. "Both of us were wearing our sunscreen visors during the event, and that is the main reason why I am typing to you about this. Over the past couple years, and because of the threat of bird strikes, the members of our unit have become very good about always using face protection, whether it is the shade during the day or the clear visor at night. We realize that a bird to the face at 140 mph could mean death to the crew, or the end of a career at the very least." APSA's Safety Program Manager, Bryan Smith, will be sharing more about bird strikes in the upcoming Safety First newsletter. We invite you to share any safety related information like Anaheim did (on any topic) by contacting safety@PublicSafetyAviation.org or airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org. Alabama Agency Acquires 1033 Program Aircraft
Ken Gilliland of B&G Flying Service Inc. was named as the department's reserve deputy and will train pilots and maintain the aircraft. Sheriff Davis said grants through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are available for fuel, maintenance and training. "It hasn't cost Chilton County taxpayers one penny," Davis said. "I'm a big, big fan of the surplus program." SOURCE: www.clantonadvertiser.com Helicopter Helps Find Neglected Pools To Stop Mosquitos
SOURCE: www.sgvtribune.com
Australian Agency Adds To Fleet
SOURCE: www.perthnow.com.au Aircrews Rescue Trio From Waterfalls
An aircrew spotted them stranded on a rocky ledge above the falls and called in another helicopter equipped with a hoist, 40King6, said police spokesman Cindy Bachman. The pilot maneuvered 40King6 between the steep and tight canyon walls while a deputy lowered another deputy down to the victims with extraction harnesses. The hoists of all three hikers were completed before darkness, and none one of them required medical attention. SOURCE: http://redlands.patch.com Final Call: Enter To Win ASU-NFC Night Vision Awards
Any flight operation using any night vision systems is eligible for nominations. Award nomination packets can be downloaded or filled out on ASU's website at: "Night Flight Concepts has always supported efforts to enhance night vision education and awareness," explains NFC President Adam Aldous. "We are pleased to join with ASU this year to support the Night Vision Awards series and help recognize just some of the industry operators demonstrating leadership and success in their night vision programs." Awards will be presented for the following categories: 5-year Service awards, 10-year Service awards, Community Awareness award, International Advancement award, and Mark of Excellence award. The award presentations will take place Thursday, July 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in the Tuscany Ballrooms 5 and 6. The event is free and open to all APSA attendees. Join ASU and NFC for FREE drinks and hors d' oeuvres as they celebrate the night vision award winners this year! SOURCE: Aviation Specialties Unlimited Screw-in Windshield for Bell 206 Gains Approvals
The new kit provides durable retainers that are screwed in place and can be easily removed to allow for quick windshield replacement or removal. Dart says that after initial installation of the modification kit, windshields can be removed or installed in less than two hours per side. "Customers have been asking for this for a while and we are pleased to provide them with a solution," said Bill Beckett, vice president of Dart Canadian Operations. SOURCE: www.verticalmag.com Brave Youngsters Check Out Police Vehicles
The day was set up by a Northumbria Police detective who heard about little Richard losing his legs and right arm after contracting meningitis when he was just 11 months old in June 2010. He contacted Chris Todd, Deputy Unit Executive Officer at the Air Support Unit, who then put plans for the visit into action. "It's not something we do all the time, but we thought we would push the aircraft out for the boys. It is one of those things they will remember and it is good to support families going through something difficult," said Todd. The day was a complete surprise for Bailey, who is due to undergo a bone marrow transplant soon after being diagnosed with leukemia for a second time. "It is just amazing that others will do things like this for families like us. He has always loved transport and the emergency services," the mother said. "This is a dream come true for Bailey." SOURCE: www.chroniclelive.co.uk Helicopter Rotor Cracks Spark Inspections
Eurocopter has issued Alert Service Bulletin EC135-62A-029, which describes procedures for conducting a repetitive check of the visible area of the upper and lower MRH shaft flanges and a repetitive inspection of the area of the blade bolts lower MRH shaft flange. SOURCE: http://news.ninemsn.com.au Residents Use Social Media to Stop Police Helicopter Changes More than 500 people in the United Kingdom have joined a Facebook group to convince the police authority to save the two helicopters that serve Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley instead of joining the National Air Police Service (NAPS). NAPS is a national air support network of helicopters to replace the existing individual bases across the country. According to the Facebook campaign, the helicopter can reach any destination in the area within 15 minutes. Under the new NAPS system, 97 percent of the UK will be within 20 minutes flying time. The new national service has been set up with the aim of offering 24-hour support to all forces across the country and eliminating situations where helicopters may be grounded during repairs and unable to support the area. Some are concerned that the lack of a dedicated helicopter for each area could affect crime rates in the county. "The helicopter is a huge deterrent. Criminals know that without the police helicopter there is less chance of them being caught. I think it is the greatest single crime fighting asset," a spokesman said. SOURCE: www.watfordobserver.co.uk MSP To Receive NVIS and Laser Defense Support
Leveraging proven, market-leading tools, technologies, training and maintenance practices, Night Flight Concepts (NFC) has been contracted to help MSP plan, implement and sustain mission-critical NVIS and laser defense capabilities required for duty. The NFC program products and services are expected to enhance mission safety, officer and operator capabilities and mission performance. MSP NVIS support includes night vision goggle equipment acquisition, training and maintenance services, and the Hoffman NVG Lighting Conformity Test Kit to ensure aircraft airworthiness. New Laser Armor TM Aviator Glasses, Laser Armor TM Light Interference Filters (LIF) and Laser Armor TM Training will help MSP increase laser strike readiness and prevent possible damage to personnel and equipment. SOURCE: Night Flight Concepts The Biggest Stack Is The Knowledge You Take Home: Register For APSA Conference in Reno
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A 28-year-old Virginia Beach man pled guilty to interfering with the authorized operation of an aircraft last month and was sentenced to five years probation and fined $5,000. He was prosecuted under federal law because there was no applicable state law. That will change on July 1, when a new Virginia law kicks in.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced last month that law enforcement agencies will be given authorization to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for training, but agencies must demonstrate proficiency before they are granted an operational permit.
The Georgia State Patrol Aviation Division recently completed its spring emergency procedures training. All aircrew were required to attend a one-day refresher ground course that covered helicopter systems, performance capabilities and emergency procedure checklists. In addition to the ground school, each pilot was also required to perform in a helicopter numerous emergency procedures ranging from systems malfunctions to engine failures, both on takeoffs and in flight. Instructors from Helicopter Safety Training LLC conducted the 7-day training course.
The Chilton County (AL) Sheriff's Department acquired a helicopter and an airplane through the 1033 Program last month. The aircraft will be used for disaster relief, pursuing fugitives and rescues, said Sheriff Kevin Davis. Both aircraft were formerly in the possession of the Dale County (AL) Sheriff's Department, and 1033 Program administrators wanted the machines to move to a central Alabama agency because no department from Birmingham to Montgomery has air capability.
Last month, Pasadena (CA) Police Department's Foothill Aerial Support Team worked with San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control to find filthy swimming pools. The pools can serve as breeding places for Asian tiger mosquitos. One neglected swimming pool can breed millions of mosquitoes, placing an entire neighborhood at risk. The district's annual Helicopter Surveillance Program has identified a record number of neglected pools this year, according to DeAndre Ware, the district's technician who is overseeing the surveillance program.
The Western Australian Police Air Wing will add to its fleet this month. A new Eurocopter Dauphin, to be known as Polair 62, will go into service alongside a 23-year-old BK-117 helicopter and three other aircraft. Australian Police Minister Rob Johnson said the helicopter would mean police could deliver a superior level of service to both metropolitan and regional areas. "More than 3,500 hours were spent on designing and integrating a range of electronic and electrical systems," he said. They included sophisticated sensor equipment, an infrared camera, a multi-agency communication suite, a rescue winch and other critical equipment.
A San Bernardino County (CA) Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit helicopter crew rescued three people last month above Monkey Face Falls in the county's Mill Creek Canyon. They were trying to descend a steep drainage with a 100-foot waterfall and ran out of rope and into trouble. They used a cell phone to get help. Firefighters on scene determined the three had "traversed approximately half way down the canyon to the 5,000-foot level before running out of ropeâ€, and were unable to continue down and too exhausted to climb back up.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) is accepting nominations for its Night Vision Awards to be presented at the 42nd Annual APSA Conference & Exhibition in Reno, NV. Nominations will be accepted now until June 18, 2012. Night Flight Concepts has joined with ASU as the co-sponsor of the event. The awards were created to acknowledge agencies that use night vision systems and further safety by using them.
A new screw-in windshield modification kit from Dart Helicopter Services has received FAA and EASA approval for Bell 206A/B/L/L1/L3/L4 model aircraft. Transport Canada approval had already been received. The modification kit allows windshield retainers to be replaced with quick change out retainers. With the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system, the retainers are riveted in place, making them difficult and time-consuming to remove. OEM retainers can be damaged during windshield replacement and must then be replaced, resulting in additional costs.
The families of two-year-old meningitis survivor Richard and four-year-old bone marrow transplant patient Bailey were brought together last month thanks to kind hearts. The children were in awe after they were treated to an afternoon at the United Kingdom's Newcastle Airport checking out police helicopters, police cars and the airport's own fire engine.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive on May 17 requiring inspections of Eurocopter's EC135 model after cracks were found in its rotors. "Initial investigations have confirmed that EC135 flights remain safe," a Eurocopter spokesman said, adding that the company was in the process of identifying what was causing the cracks. EASA has called for operators of the EC135 to visually inspect rotors before each flight and replace the main rotor hub if cracks are detected. To view the full report, click here: 
The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) is the principle statewide law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the largest law enforcement agency in New England and the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the United States. MSP works in partnership with local communities to enhance public safety and security through provision of quality policing, leadership and strategic resources needed during natural disasters, civil disorder and critical incidents.
Final preparations are in high gear for APSA's 42nd Annual Conference & Exposition next month in Reno, NV. By now, you should be finalizing your plans to join us July 11th -14th. Better yet, plan to make an entire week of it by attending a Pre-Conference Course, July 9th -11th. All of the information you need to plan a week of the best tactical aviation training can be found on our website. To register, visit
