Two Columbus Police helicopters cleared to fly after safety audit
Source: The Columbus Dispatch, 22-Apr-13
Two Columbus police helicopters have been cleared to fly after an outside audit did not uncover any safety concerns, a commander said yesterday. (See full story)
Columbus Police ground helicopter fleet
Source: ABC6, 05-Apr-13
Columbus police helicopters are grounded while they are inspected and maintenance records are checked. Police were ready to sell one of the choppers when they discovered “gaps” in the maintenance records (see full story).
Buyer wins suit over defective ex-police helicopter
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 21-Sep-12
Purchaser awarded C$380,000 in damages against City of Columbus over faults in a helicopter they sold in 2009. (see full story) HeliHub.com research suggests (but NOT confirmed) that the aircraft was serial 0540E, sold ex FAA registration N553CR to Canada in 2009 and first registered to Versatile Helicopters as C-FZHS. It has since been sold [...]
Columbus Police order new MD500E, option on another
Source: MD Helicopters, 20-Feb-12
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters, has announced that the City of Columbus, Ohio has ordered an MD 500E for delivery in 2012 and an option for a second aircraft to be delivered in 2013. This purchase represents the thirteenth and fourteenth MD 500E in active service in accordance [...]
Versatile Helicopters sues Columbus Police over “unsafe” 500E
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 11-Dec-10
The pilot of the 12-year-old 500E sold last year to Versatile Helicopters, of Chemainus, British Columbia, was forced to make an emergency landing following engine failure, the company said in court papers filed yesterday in U.S. District Court.
Man faces one count in laser aimed at Columbus Police helicopter
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 22-Oct-10
About 1 a.m. yesterday, Kellough was following a burglary suspect on the West Side when laser light struck his eyes. He said he sharply steered the helicopter away from the light, but not before his co-pilot was also temporarily blinded.
Police camera falls from helicopter, hits 6 cars
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 01-Sep-10
Columbus police and federal investigators are trying to determine whether human or mechanical error was to blame when a camera fell from a police helicopter
