25-Jan-2011Source: Chester Chronicle
Joseph Standish, aged 27, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Manchester Evening News
Mobisir Ali, 23, fired the green-coloured light beam from a hotel window as the Greater Manchester Police helicopter was flying at 1,000ft over Oldham. Magistrates in the town were told the pilot lost his night vision and he was unable to see his instruments or the skyline for several seconds.... Read more
24-Jan-2011Source: Orlando Sentinel
A man accused of firing at and Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter last year was found guilty on Friday. 26-year-old Jason Dennis McGuire now faces at least 10 years in federal prison... Read more
24-Jan-2011
[We include this Sikorsky press release merely for completeness. HeliHub.com reported this story over seven weeks ago here] The Department of State has delivered three UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters to the Government of Mexico’s Federal Police (FP). Designed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), the aircraft are the first... Read more
20-Jan-2011Source: The Northern Light
A federal grand jury indicted Wayne Groen last week for allegedly interfering with the operation of an aircraft and two counts of incapacitating pilots while operating an aircraft. Both are federal crimes that carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.... Read more
20-Jan-2011Source: Hangar One Avionics
Hangar One Avionics, a division of Schubach Aviation specializing in repairs and installation services for government and private aircraft, has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to transform its new fleet of 14 Eurocopter AS 350 B2 helicopters into mission-ready aircraft. Per the contract, Hangar One will... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: Police Aviation News
A month ago it looked as if the Devon & Cornwall BK117C-1 was destined to join the Avon Fire Brigade but then the hand of fate stepped in and the PSNI messed up their leased AS355F2 G-SEWP flying in bad weather in the Mourne Mountains. The Veritair supplied Squirrel was easily replaced by one of... Read more
17-Jan-2011Source: Falbrook Bonsall Village News
When the Sheriff’s Department launched its ASTREA (Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies) helicopter the morning of Dec. 26, many area residents said they had difficulty understanding what officers were saying through the aircraft’s PA system.... Read more
14-Jan-2011Source: El Universo
the executive director of the National Commission on Surface Transportation, Traffic and Road Safety, Ricardo Antón, launched the two helicopters this week – although only the R44 was onsite as the MD530F had an engine issue, apparently.... Read more
14-Jan-2011
David Dennison flew from Tampa International Airport to St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to drop off a friend’s fishing net.... Read more
14-Jan-2011Source: Police Aviation News
ALEA: The US based Airborne Law Enforcement Association [ALEA] has announced that its in house magazine for members “AIR BEAT†is going digital this year. The staff of Air Beat is geared up for 2011. In addition to having a full-color glossy magazine delivered to your mailbox, you will now have the option to read... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: 2TheAdvocate
After nearly 23 years of serving as a public information officer for the Police Department, Sgt. Don Kelly will step down is head of the Air Support Unit. [file photo] See also “Baton Rouge Police add Robinson R44“... Read more
13-Jan-2011Source: Tampa Bay Online
A Lakeland man that authorities said pointed a laser light at a Polk County sheriff’s helicopter in November is facing up to 20 years in federal prison.... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: Manchester Evening News
Mobosir Ali, 23, of Newport Street, Oldham, has been charged with shining a light at an aircraft so as to endanger or distract the pilot.... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Today, American Eurocopter delivered another AS350 B3 helicopter to the Miami-Dade Police Department’s (MDPD) Aviation Unit. This is the third of four AS350 B3’s that have been ordered by the agency. The first AS350 B3 was delivered in 2008, and the MDPD will receive their fourth AS350 B3 later this year. The AS350 B3 is... Read more
10-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Peruvian Regional Government of Callao have recently placed orders for two Police-equipped Robinson R44 helicopters, the regional president Callao, Felix Moreno, announced this week.   This small province of just 57 square miles is heavily populated and they will no doubt have to work closely with Lima Province, which surrounds them to the north, east... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: Maryland State Police
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has selected Sergeant Jonathan Longest as the 2010 Non Commissioned Officer of the Year. Sgt. Longest is assigned to the Medical Operations Section at Aviation Command Headquarters and was selected by his peers for this annual award based on proven performance, dedication and commitment to the mission of the... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: Yorkshire Evening Post
At about 5.55am last Saturday the pilot of the force chopper reported a laser being shone at the aircraft as it was flying over the Bramley area of Leeds.... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced today that pilots from the Utah Highway Patrol Aero Bureau have completed the inaugural training course conducted in the company’s new AS350 Flight and Mission Simulator. The Aero Bureau is the first customer to utilize the new simulator in support of their training efforts. The AS350 Flight and... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: News and Sentinel
Federal Law Enforcement Support Office prevented Washington County Sheriff selling the helicopters and instructed them to hand them to Marion County, who should pick them up January 13. They are belived to be N381WC (ex US Army 70-15208) and N575WC (ex 70-15387)... Read more
6-Jan-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The Military Police of Piauà added a second helicopter, a Robinson R44, to their capability. It was launched at the graduation ceremony of new police officers on 28th December at the Headquarters of the General Command in Teresina. The State of Piaui is in the north-east of Brazil covering approx 250,000 sq.km and has a... Read more
5-Jan-2011Source: United Rotorcraft Solutions
United Rotorcraft Solutions (URS) recently delivered upgraded Bell 206B3’s helicopters to the City of Dallas, TX Police Department. The upgrades, made possible by a federal grant that was recently awarded to the police department, included BMS digital video microwave system, upgrade of existing L-3 Wescam camera systems and auto-tracking, Avalex digital video recorder upgrades, and... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: Miami Herald
A Winter Park man faces 20 years in federal prison for shining a laser pointer into the cockpit of an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.... Read more
4-Jan-2011Source: Naples News
Cpl. Joseph Andreasen and flight officer Cpl. Shawn Bogart were on patrol in North Naples at about 1 a.m. Saturday when a green laser light entered the left side of the helicopter, injuring both of their left eyes... Read more
22-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The third of three AW119Ke helicopters for the Brazilian state of Goias is currently undergoing flight testing at AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia facility.   Goias has a population of nearly 6 million and covers just over 130,000 square miles. This helicopter is expected to be delivered to Brazil in January 2011. Serialled 14768, and test flying on US... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The second AW119Ke for the Brazilian state of Goias is currently undergoing flight testing at AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia facility. The helicopter has been mostly financed with a grant from SENASP – Serviço Nacional de Seleção Pública. Three pilots have been trained up to fly this helicopter, including Melati Carrasco. Goias has a population of nearly 6... Read more
21-Dec-2010Source: ALEA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance is accepting nominations beginning today for the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. Every day, federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers engage in exceptional acts of bravery while in... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The 12th Police helicopter unit (Italian – 12° Nucleo Elicotteri Carabinieri) which serves the region of Catania on the Italian island of Sicily has just completed 25 years of flight. The unit currently operates five helicopters (two 206s, one 412, one A109A and a 109 Nexus) from its base at Fontanarossa Airport. Since 1985 it... Read more
20-Dec-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Justice of Cyprus has taken delivery of two AW139 medium twin engine helicopters during an official ceremony held today in the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias; Minister of Justice and Public Order, Loukas Louka; Chief of Police,... Read more
17-Dec-2010Source: This is Hull & East Riding
Sgt Jenkins said the attempt to dazzle the helicopter pilot had serious implications. “Endangering an aircraft is an offence and carries a five-year prison sentence,” he added. “Unfortunately for us, their night vision equipment is often better than ours.”... Read more
15-Dec-2010Source: Shropshire star
Under the cloudof a recent national police aviation review which called for their unit to be closed permanently, the Dyfed-Powys police are now considering fixed wing options to save money.... Read more
14-Dec-2010Source: State of Maranhão
[Electronic Translation of local language press release] Roseanna Sarney Governor delivery on Monday (13), the 15h, the Headquarters of the General Command of the Military Police (Rock), a model EC145 helicopter, equipped with high technology to enhance the operations of the Public Security Bureau in the fight crime across the Maranhão. The state is the... Read more
13-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
In the last few weeks, Spain’s National Police Force (“Cuerpo Nacional de PolicÃa”, CNP for short) have added three new Eurocopters to their fleet, two EC135P2+ and one AS332L2 – the latter being the largest helicopter they have ever operated. The three are listed below, together with their manufacturer’s serial numbers and local fleet number.... Read more
13-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
In the last week, the Public Security department of Tocantins has taken delivery of its first helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350B3 from the local Helibras factory. This will be operated in partnership with the National Secretariat of Public Security (SENASP) and will be available to the Civil Police, Military Police and Fire Department. Secretary of Public... Read more
13-Dec-2010Source: HeliHub.com
As police forces aim to be come more accountable to the residents of the area they serve, a number of those operating helicopters have launched a page on their website to list the tasks they fly – usually as a way of minimising noise complaints. These usually take the form of a table listing date,... Read more
11-Dec-2010Source: Columbus Dispatch
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.... Read more
10-Dec-2010Source: Miami New Times
The Miami-Dade Police Department is poised to become the first large metro force to regularly use drones in its aerial missions. The department has a deal in place to buy a T-Hawk from defense firm Honeywell... Read more
7-Dec-2010Source: Eurocopter Canada
Winnipeg, MB – Law enforcement in Manitoba’s capital city entered a new era today with the delivery of the first Eurocopter EC120 B helicopter for the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS). The 200-kilometer an hour helicopter will provide faster response times, enhanced public and officer safety and serve as a ‘force multiplier’ providing versatile aerial support... Read more
7-Dec-2010Source: DailyMe
Sacramento Sheriff-elect Scott Jones announced the relaunch of the department’s Air Operations unit at Mather Field on Sunday. A helicopter lifted off in rainy skies Sunday afternoon for the first daily beat patrols since July 2009.... Read more
6-Dec-2010Source: Miami Herald
Michael Anthony Fowler is accused of violating a Florida law prohibiting the intentional focusing of lasers on moving aircraft... Read more
6-Dec-2010Source: Kansas City Star
Kansas City police pulled over a pickup truck Wednesday night after a passenger aimed a green laser at the police helicopter, temporarily blinding the pilot.... Read more
4-Dec-2010Source: CBC
The helicopter will not be put into regular service until the New Year, city officials say.... Read more
1-Dec-2010Source: Policia Federal
In a ceremony headed by the Secretary of Public Security, Genaro Garcia Luna Engineer and U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual Mexico , in the Command Center of the Federal Police , carried out the delivery of three UH-60M Black Hawk, aircraft entirely new, specially designed to the specifications required by the federal Public Security Secretariat. The... Read more
30-Nov-2010Source: Winnipeg Free Press
The Winnipeg Police Service has invited dozens of justice officials and politicians to a 10:30 a.m. reception Dec. 3 at 17 Wing Winnipeg, where the new Eurocopter EC120 Colibri will be unveiled.... Read more
27-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The Investigative Police of Chile (PDI – PolicÃa de Investigaciones) will soon be launching a tender for the supply of one or more helicopters to support anti-drug operations. This is the result of central government funding approval as part of a determined push against drugs. The aircraft will need to operate at altitude as a... Read more
27-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
The Governor of the Brazilian state of Parana confirmed this week the placing of an order for a second Eurocopter EC130 with Helibras. It is expected that the helicopter will be based in Guaira, in the Itaipu Lake area – a reputedly difficult area to monitor given borders with both Argentina and Paraguay. Covering a... Read more
25-Nov-2010Source: Eldersburg Patch
David H. Hopwood, 35, of the 7000-block of Bristol Place in Sykesville was charged with reckless endangerment, attempted second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and prohibited use of a laser pointer.... Read more
25-Nov-2010Source: WPTV
A Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot encountered an unexpected obstacle in the sky just after midnight. The aviation unit was on patrol in Jensen Beach when a laser illuminated the cockpit, according to the sheriff’s office.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: Gazettes
According to Lt. Richard Rocchi of the Long Beach Police Dept, it may not be too long before the unit receives two well-maintained used Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopters from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: Bild.de
The SensoCopter drone is to be used in monitoring of events and traffic, search activities and observations, as well as crime scene photographs.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: Miami Herald
Polk County deputies have arrested a Lakeland man for reportedly shining a laser into the cockpit of a sheriff’s helicopter and temporarily blinding the pilot.... Read more
24-Nov-2010Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International’s mission is to advance the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce. That mission charges each of us to commit ourselves to promoting the highest level of safety and efficiency. This culture of professionalism is nurtured when we encourage and recognize outstanding achievement and contributions made by individuals and organizations. Each... Read more
22-Nov-2010Source: HeliHub.com
At the Dutch Police fleet of Bo105 helicopters and BN-2 fixed wing grew older, so they started looking at replacing them with a single newer and more capable type. After a tendering process, they selected the MD Explorer, placing an order for eight in early 2001, with MD using the annual Heli-Expo convention to announce... Read more
19-Nov-2010
The number of cases of pilots being dazzled by laser pens increased across the UK to 737 in 2009 compared with just 29 in 2007.... Read more
18-Nov-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, TX – American Eurocopter announced that it has delivered another AS350 B3 to the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support unit. This is the fifth AS350 B3 in the unit’s fleet of helicopters that has grown to meet the needs of its citizens and its expanding coverage area. The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support... Read more
17-Nov-2010Source: MD Helicopters
Mesa, Arizona, November 16, 2010… MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI) joins with the Wichita (KS) Police Department Air Section in celebrating its 40th anniversary. The WPD Air Section is one of the original 13 charter members of “Operation Sky Knight,” the first formal police helicopter patrol program in the United States. The program was initially launched... Read more
17-Nov-2010Source: Flightcell International
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has announced the selection of the Flightcell DZM2 system for their new fleet of 14 Eurocopter AS 350 B2 patrol helicopters. The aircraft are currently undergoing completion at Hangar One, Carlsbad, CA and will be specifically tailored to the needs of the LASD Air Support Unit. The DZM2... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: Orlando Sentinel
The jury found McGuire guilty of all three charges he faced: attempted destruction of an aircraft, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime, and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. He will be sentenced Feb. 4.... Read more
16-Nov-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Police of the Province of Guanxi in China has placed an order for an AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles also including law enforcement and civil protection/disaster relief across the Province. The AW139 adds to the... Read more
16-Nov-2010
Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill said last week the new police helicopter should be in the air in early December.... Read more
15-Nov-2010Source: BBC
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced two charges of endangering the safety of an aircraft – not only the helicopter but also a Boeing 737 of airline Jet2.... Read more
12-Nov-2010Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the General Security of Libya has taken delivery of its second AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. The aircraft is part of a total order for five AW139s sold in Libya to perform a range of roles also including border patrol and Search and Rescue and was... Read more
11-Nov-2010Source: Orlando Sentinal
McGuire, 27, is accused of shooting at an Orange County sheriff’s helicopter March 21 outside his home on Pacific Heights Circle.... Read more
10-Nov-2010Source: Indra
Indra has delivered an advanced full-motion simulator of the AS350 helicopter to American Eurocopter. The AS350 is the most widely employed surveillance helicopter in the U.S., with over 750 units in use by police forces across the nation. Indra designed, built, and installed the system at the aircraft manufacturer’s training center in Dallas, TX. Indra... Read more
3-Nov-2010Source: AgustaWestland
[Note – HeliHub.com first ran this story from Brazilian sources on 24th September. We are now publishing AgustaWestland’s press release dated 2nd November] AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, is pleased to announce that the State of Goiás, in central Brazil, has ordered three AW119Ke single engine helicopters for law enforcement, fire-fighting and transport missions. The contract... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: American Eurocopter
Grand Prairie, Texas – American Eurocopter highlighted the multi-mission functionality of its AS350 B3 helicopter during the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference in Orlando from October 24th-26th. On display at the American Eurocopter booth was the AS350B3 currently in service with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in Sanford, Florida. “The Seminole... Read more
29-Oct-2010Source: HeliHub.com
After investigating a number of leads, HeliHub.com can report that the US Customs & Border Protection “CBP”, part of the Dept of Homeland Security, have put their entire MD600 fleet into desert storage. They are located at AMARC – the Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Center facility managed by the US Air Force Material Command located... Read more
28-Oct-2010Source: Aero Dynamix
Aero Dynamix, Inc., located in Euless, TX, (DFW area) is proud to announce the recent delivery of the second NVIS Compatible Lighting System Modification for an AS350 B2 helicopter to the Aviation Section of the Suffolk County Police Department, located on Long Island, east of New York City. The NVG/NVIS compatible cockpit lighting includes modifications... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: Russian Helicopters
(This press release follows HeliHub’s first report on this purchase, way back on 3-Sep-2010 – see here) Moscow, 26th October 2010 – Russian Helicopters rotorcraft-building holding that makes part of the UIC Oboronprom plans to deliver to Russian EMERCOM five Ka-32A11BC helicopters within 2011-12. In accordance with the state contract between Russian EMERCOM and Russian... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: ACPO
A new National Police Air Service (NPAS) is set to provide a more efficient and accessible air support service throughout England and Wales that offers better value for money. Responding to the findings of a comprehensive review commissioned in 2009, ACPO members have approved the central recommendation to replace the current air support system with... Read more
26-Oct-2010Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11621898
A man has been arrested after a green laser was shone at a police helicopter which was responding to a burglary in Berkshire at the weekend.... Read more
22-Oct-2010Source: Columbus Dispatch
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.... Read more
