| Welcome!
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. Helicopter Operators Hover Houston
Airborne law enforcement was well represented. Working the APSA booth were Secretary Gregg Weitzman, Education Program Manager Jim Di Giovanna, Immediate Past President Dan Schwarzbach and President Martin L. Jackson. Law enforcement aircraft on display included helicopters from the Houston (TX) Police Department, the Austin (TX) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Delaware State Police, and the Plaquemine Parish (LA) Sheriff's Office. Additionally, on Sunday evening, APSA hosted their 2nd Annual Corporate Member Reception. For all of the details, see our Heli-Expo recap article in the May/June issue of Air Beat. Source: APSA Point A Laser; Pay The Price
Prosecutors say laser strikes can lead to air disasters because they can temporarily blind pilots. "It completely floods out the aircraft whether it's green or red light, and it impairs the pilot's ability to safely maneuver the helicopter," according to Craig Evans, a tactical flight officer for the San Diego Police Department's ABLE Unit. Just the week before, Evans and his pilot were flying when they saw a green beam of light coming from the ground. “It blinded me for a second until we put our night vision goggles on," said Evans. With the goggles on, Evans and his pilot immediately began looking for person holding the laser. The heat source from the suspect's body could be spotted immediately. Evans and his pilot directed officers to the suspect's location. In just minutes, officers arrested an 18-year-old suspect. "The suspect told the officers he was shooting the laser to see if we would chase him,” said Evans. Source: www.nbcsandiego.com Philippine Police Excited About New Aircraft
"These new police choppers will see action in our election security campaign against partisan armed groups, threat groups and election law violators," Verzosa added, referring to the country's May 10 elections. The police helicopters were acquired through the PNP Capability Enhancement Program and have been equipped for police missions. PNP's Special Action Force will be the custodian of the air assets, which now is a total of six aircraft. SAF will be sending at least four of the department's officers to the United States for flight training. The SAF currently has six pilots. Source: www.mb.com.ph Indianapolis Grounds Police Helicopters
The three helicopters each cost about $500 to $700 an hour to maintain, and a fourth helicopter is used for parts. Pilots logged 455 hours in the air last year, down from 1,100 in 2007, and the air patrol budget shrank from $897,544 in 2008 to $593,083 last year. This year's stipend includes only $12,000 for fuel and parts and nothing for insurance, repairs and leasing. Source: www.indystar.com
UK Teenager Charged Under New CAA Legislation A 14-year-old boy has been fined $350 for shining a hunting lamp at a Cleveland (UK) Police Air Operations Unit helicopter. The teenager pled guilty to targeting the aircraft as it was on patrol in January. Cleveland Police said he was the first person to be prosecuted under new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) legislation. Captain Phil Houghton, the pilot, while speaking after the hearing at Middlesbrough Youth Court, said, "In roles where we are flying at low level or in the hover, even a split second with a bright light or a laser, especially when it hits you in the face, can be very debilitating." Under previous legislation, the CAA had to prove that shining a light did endanger an aircraft. However, under the Air Navigation Order 2009, which came into effect last month, police are allowed to arrest any person suspected of directing or shining a light at an aircraft in flight to dazzle or distract the pilot. Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk $40,000 in Services Donated to AIR-ONE
The Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition (LEAC), a multi-jurisdictional unit operating three Bell OH-58 helicopters in addition to the Huey, manages the AIR-ONE helicopters. During these difficult economic times for law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies worldwide, this contribution is a major benefit to the numerous communities served by AIR-ONE. LEAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization comprised of cooperating fire/rescue and law enforcement agencies from throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. It was formed with the purpose of providing air support to agencies of all sizes throughout the region. The unit is staffed with pilots, tactical flight officers, and air rescue specialists from multiple agencies who are sworn officers and rescue personnel volunteering their time to aid their communities. The organization provides operational support to the Winthrop Harbor and Byron Police Departments and the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department, who together operate the four Bell helicopters. The service conducts operations for search & rescue missions, major fires, law enforcement, natural disasters, counter-drug activities and homeland security missions. Additional information about LEAC can be found on-line atwww.airsupport.org. Cayman Island Police To Begin Aerial Program
Originally anticipating the helicopter's arrival by the end of January, the RCIPS said that the devastation in Haiti and the subsequent restrictions placed on Haitian air space led them to review its flight plans and delivery schedule. After the helicopter arrives, staff training will begin. The helicopter has been fitted with aviation police radios, FLIR, searchlight, microwave downlink and a public address system. Source: www.caymannetnews.com German State Increases Aerial Capability
Speaking at the handover, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said, "The eight new police helicopters are an important investment in the safety of Bavarian citizens. Our goal is to keep Bavaria as a nationwide leader in terms of homeland security. That is why in 2009 and 2010, we have added more than 1,000 additional police officers and provided more technical equipment to the Bavarian police." Last year alone, the existing helicopters operated by the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron carried out more than 3,300 flight operations and flew more than 4,000 flight hours. Source: www.shephard.co.uk Atlanta Aviation Unit Completes NVG Training
According to APD pilot Terry Mulkey, "Randy Rowles is the best flight instructor I have had the pleasure of flying with. He is calm, knowledgeable and truly cares that his students are safe pilots. This training will help us step up our safety program." "We're extremely proud to have provided an additional element of safety for the flight crews of APD, as well as improved service to the residents of Atlanta and the surrounding areas," said company president, Adam Aldous. Source: NFC Spain's Fleet To Grow By 12 Helicopters
The agreement calls for an initial delivery of four helicopters in 2010. Four more helicopters are to follow next year, and the remaining aircraft will be delivered in 2012. The 12 helicopters acquired under this new contract will join the 14 EC135s already operated by the National Police Force and the Guardia Civil (seven each). Two additional contracts are in the works and will subsequently bring the total number of EC135s up to 51, thus completing the ambitious helicopter modernization program of Spain's law enforcement agencies. Source: American Eurocopter
Source: Colorado Springs Police Department Member Suffers Heart Attack
Source: Dallas Police Department Aircrew Gets Lased Again
The vehicle with the laser was spotted on a nearby highway and stopped by ground units. The 19-year-old passenger was arrested, and the green laser was subsequently located inside the vehicle and submitted for evidence. This is the sixth time the Orange County Sheriff's Office helicopter has been lased in the last 18 months. Source: Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office Grant Monies Make Purchase of FLIR Possible
The Walton County Sheriff's Office was able to secure the necessary Homeland Security grant monies to cover the price tag. Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. has placed a high priority on having WCSO play a pivotal role in the Regional Domestic Security Task Force, which helped pave the way for the awarding of the grant. The FLIR will play an integral role in saving lives and help in the apprehension of dangerous fugitives. Source: www.panhandleparade.com Aircraft For Massachusetts State Police Completed
"The EC135 we recently finished for the state of Massachusetts is likely the most well equipped aircraft of its kind in the country and we are proud to have been an integral part of such a impressive airborne law enforcement program," said Jim Kettles, Metro's Director of Sales. "We designed and integrated all the avionics systems and airframe components to meet the stringent demands of the state police to provide the vital role of protecting and serving the citizens of Massachusetts and the surrounding area," he said. The aircraft will enter service in May and will the first of its type in a fleet replacement program for the state. Source: verticalmag.com Bulgaria Border Police Order New Patrol Helicopters
The Bulgarian Border Police's AW139 will feature an advanced range of dedicated mission equipment including an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), moving map, weather/search radar, cargo hook, emergency floats, rescue hoist, external loudspeaker, searching light, NVG-compatible cockpit, FLIR, video downlink and mission console. Source: www.novinite.com Register Now for Upcoming APSA Safety Seminars in St. Louis and Springfield!
On Thursday and Friday, sessions will be held on Aviation Safety for Aircrews, Operational Consideration for Protective Equipment, High-Rise Emergencies, Responding to Disasters, Fixed-Wing Operations & Training, Protecting Our Northern Border, NVG Rule Changes, and much more. Register now atalea.org/public/seminars/eastern/index.aspx. For more information, please contact Eastern Region Director Kurt Frisz at kfrisz@PublicSafetyAviation.org. On May 5-7, 2010, the Northeast Region Safety Seminar will take place in Springfield, MA. Educational sessions planned include Inadvertent IMC Hazards & Recovery, Operational Considerations for Cold Weather Climates, Surveillance Techniques, Airborne Patrol Tactics, Accreditation, and much more. To register or for more information, please visit http://archives.alea.org/events/default.aspx. |
||
The Helicopter Association International's HELI-EXPO 2010 came to a close in Houston, Texas last month. There were 596 exhibitors who showcased their products and services. Approximately 50 helicopters were displayed on the showroom floor. Exhibitors featured avionics, accessories, components and related products.
A 39-year-old man is paying the price for pointing a laser at a San Diego (CA) Police Department helicopter. The man pled guilty to pointing a green laser at a police chopper in November and, last month, a judge sentenced him to eight months in prison.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) took delivery of three new Robinson R44 Raven II police helicopters last month. "The tactical capability of these aircraft translates to greater operational advantage in our public safety and law enforcement missions," said PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa.
In a budget-cutting move, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department placed its four helicopters in storage indefinitely last month. City officials said there wasn't enough money in the police budget to keep the helicopters fueled and pay insurance on them.
The AIR-ONE Search & Rescue Helicopter Program received a donation of $40,000 worth of services last month. The services included installation of communications and navigation equipment in AIR-ONE's Bell UH-1 “Huey” helicopter, a project, which involved over 500 labor hours to complete.
The Royal Cayman Island Police Service (RCIPS) is expanding police operations with the arrival of an EC 135 helicopter. RCIPS Air Operations Manager, Steve Fitzgerald, said the helicopter would arrive on Grand Cayman by the end of February.
The first of eight new EC135s for the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron were delivered last month. The aircraft, which were ordered in August 2008, were purchased under a $60 million contract as part of a wide-ranging program, which aims to boost homeland security provision in the German state.
The Atlanta Police Department's (APD) Aviation Unit completed training offered by Night Flight Concepts recently. The comprehensive NVG training package took place at the department's facility in their MD 500E aircraft. Ground and flight training for the pilots and tactical flight officers were provided. The package included training, night vision goggles, service agreement and a NVG lighting kit and modification.
American Eurocopter and the Spanish Ministry of the Interior have signed a contract for the purchase of twelve EC135 P2i helicopters. Spain's National Police Force will operate six of the new aircraft for law enforcement missions, while the remaining six will join the current fleet of the Spanish Guardia Civil.
Photo: Police Chief Richard W. Myers presents award to Officer Jacob Reutner and Officer Christopher Burns.
W. D. Smith, 75, suffered a heart attack and passed away last month. He was a 22-year veteran helicopter pilot for the Dallas (TX) Police Department (DPD), and he was one of the three original police pilots that started the department's Helicopter Section. W.D. was in attendance last year at DPD Helicopter Section's 40th anniversary celebration. His friends, family and colleagues will miss him.
On January 27, 2010, at 0200 hours, an aircrew of the Orange County (FL) Sheriff's Office was lased at they worked a burglary-in-progress call. As the crew circled the call, the cockpit was illuminated repeatedly by a green laser, which required the crew to discontinue the use of their night vision goggles.
The Walton County (FL) Sheriff's Office (WCSO) helicopter, Air One, is now equipped with a state-of-the-art night vision system. FLIR Systems provided training to WCSO pilots Scott Thompson and April Hantzis last month.
After receiving a competitive bid award last year, Metro Aviation, Inc. delivered the first new law enforcement equipped EC 135T2 to the Massachusetts State Police Aviation Section last month. Metro finished the aircraft with an array of law enforcement equipment such as a night vision cockpit and cabin area, gyro-stabilized thermal and HD color camera, advanced TFO suite in the cabin area, along with microwave capability to transmit live video images from the aircraft to ground units.
The Bulgarian Ministries of Interior have purchased two new patrol helicopters from manufacturer AgustaWestland. The AW109 Power helicopters meet the latest requirements of the Bulgarian Border Police. The main mission of the helicopter, procured with Schengen Facility program funds, is to provide a reliable air surveillance capability on the outer EU borders, since Bulgaria is expected to be a Schengen Zone Member starting in March 2011.
Next week, the Sheraton St. Louis City Center Hotel & Suites will be the site for three great days of airborne law enforcement training and networking during the Eastern Region Safety Seminar. On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, APSA will offer a Water Survival Training course (which requires a $30 fee to be paid in advance), so please register now if you plan to attend!
