16-Mar-2011Source: Helinet Technologies
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today its selection by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to implement and support an integrated video downlink system for the department’s Aviation Support Unit (ASU). Designed to meet the OCSD’s need for a comprehensive, tactical downlink... Read more
15-Mar-2011Source: MD Helicopters
[Editor note – This is one in a long series MD Helicopters puts out every time this airframe passes the next 1000 figure – see here] Aircraft Number 078 Surpasses All Other MD Explorers in the Fleet MESA, AZ, March 6, 2011 – MD Helicopters, Inc (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters,... Read more
14-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Bidding is underway on the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office auctions off its Robinson R44 – see earlier stories on this operation on HeliHub.com here The auction opened in the last week on the website govdeals.com starting at $150,000. It is currently showing 7 bids with the highest at $350,000. see http://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemID=268&acctID=359 Sheriff Ed McMahon... Read more
13-Mar-2011Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has collaborated with a third party vendor to develop a customized advanced armament solution for the Rio Military Police. Designed, developed and qualified by Bell Helicopter and LifePort Inc., this specific armor adds security and protection for pilots, passengers and crew, while maintaining a spacious cabin for... Read more
12-Mar-2011Source: TBO
Pasco County Sheriff have opened a new 10,000 sq.ft building, which will house their four helicopters. By use of inmate labour, the Sheriff saved roughly $700K of construction costs... Read more
11-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Winnipeg police made a quick arrest after someone directed a laser beam at their helicopter. The EC120 was flying over a downtown neighbourhood when it was targetted by a laser pointer. Officers quickly pinpointed the house where they believed the beam was coming from and made an arrest. The man was later released, but only... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Britain’s Bond Air Services has placed orders for eight Eurocopter EC135 T2e enhanced versions. This new model take the maximum takeoff weight of up to 2,950 kg and offers a 40-kg. gain in payload and allowing an extra passenger to be carried with a load margin extension from its previous weight rating. Currently, Bond Air... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: Daily Courier
With very little discussion, the Board of Supervisors on Monday approved a consent agenda item for a contract between the county and Prescott Wing & Rotor for the overhaul of a R44 Raven 2 helicopter donated to the county by Guidance Helicopters Inc. of Prescott.... Read more
10-Mar-2011Source: US News LV
Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuesday launched the “Sky Police†which will conduct aerial anti-crime and surveillance patrols in Metro Manila and its nearby regions using three recently-acquired Robinson R44 Raven II helicopters.... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: StandardAero
StandardAero announced today that it has signed an exclusive five-year contract for Model 250 engine repair and overhaul services with the City of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department. All work will be performed at StandardAero facilities in Winnipeg, Canada and Concord, N.C. Repair and overhaul services will be performed on the police department’s seven-helicopter fleet comprised... Read more
9-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On 2nd March, a Czech Police Eurocopter EC135T2 suffered a heavy landing on a night training flight at approx 20.00 hours local.  A photo of the result can be seen here on the Planes.CZ website. Local press reports say that the Czech Police only insure themselves for damage caused by third parties. HeliHub.com adds a... Read more
7-Mar-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland has announced the pricing and availability of production searchlight systems in Booth 4108 at Heli-Expo in Orlando. Deliveries will begin in 2nd Quarter 2011 and the standard system price of the HSL-1600 will be competitive with installed prices of other systems. Specifics of the pricing of the system and available... Read more
6-Mar-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland will have an ongoing demonstration of the slaving capabilities of the NEW HSL1600 Helicopter Searchlight in Booth 4108 at Heli-Expo in Orlando. The HSL-1600 has totally integrated software including the software that allows the searchlight to be slaved to IR and CCTV cameras and Mission Displays. Competitive searchlights require separate... Read more
5-Mar-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland has announced the future availability of the smaller and lighter HSL-800 Helicopter Searchlight for weight and power restricted aircraft operations such as single engine aircraft in the U.S. Law Enforcement market segment. The HSL-800 is in the development stage at this time with anticipated availability in the 1st Quarter of... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Flight Design
Tulare County is situated about a hundred miles north of Los Angeles near California’s Sequoia National Forest. Facing the same budget constraints as many localities, Tulare County Sheriff Department Captain David Williams chose a Light-Sport Aircraft to perform patrol duties. He ordered a Flight Design CTLS. According to David Castellon writing for the Visalia Times-Delta... Read more
4-Mar-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland has announced they are in the final stages of development and production of the HSL-1600 Helicopter Searchlight. First production deliveries are scheduled for 2nd Quarter 2011. “Our searchlight has undergone extensive testing and practical flight trials under the scrutiny of major European helicopter OEM’s and several large fleet operators in... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: TurnTo23.com
US Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment today charging Jeffrey Lee Gentry, 33, of Bakersfield, with interfering with the safe operation of a Kern County Sheriff’s Department helicopter by shining a hand-held laser into the cockpit.... Read more
3-Mar-2011Source: Helinet
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today its selection by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to develop and support a comprehensive microwave downlink system for the Department’s new fleet of 14 patrol helicopters. Created in partnership with the LASD’s Aero Bureau,... Read more
2-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
In the last month, San Jose has proposed temporarily grounding its helicopter to save money, Costa Mesa has stopped flying, Long Beach is looking to downgrade to cheaper helicopters, and now it’s the turn of Fresno. The city operates two Eurocopter EC120s, as shown in the photo below The City of Fresno is cutting back... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: CBS San Francisco
A proposal would ground the San Jose Police Department’s helicopter for at least a year because of the city’s $110 million budget deficit.... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: KPHO
On Friday morning, news helicopter crews were all chasing breaking news when someone from the ground shined a laser in their direct line of sight.... Read more
25-Feb-2011
County Administrator Julie Ayers said the item was pulled at the request of the attorneys for Prescott Wing and Rotor, who wanted to finalize the contract language. Ayers expects the contract to be ready for the board to approve during the March 7 meeting.... Read more
22-Feb-2011Source: Daily Courier
The Sheriff’s Office has been in talks with Prescott Wing and Rotor since that time to complete necessary overhaul valued at $250,000. [file photo]... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: Wilmington Star News
The helicopter, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, will be declared surplus and sold using GovDeals, an online Internet-based company that sells government surplus and unclaimed property.... Read more
21-Feb-2011Source: Edmonton Journal
The helicopter crew narrowed the source of the light to a city home where police confiscated a laser pointer from a 10-year-old boy. His parents were home, but hadn’t realized what their son was up to.... Read more
21-Feb-2011
The state government has constructed a new helipad at the Chavannagar rural police headquarters in Pashan.... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: Systems Interface
East Midlands Police Force Air Support Unit required a solution to provide exceptional lighting and control capabilities for pilots during rescue, security and patrol operations. Systems Interface delivered the industry leading renewable power and lighting solution – the Avlite Systems AV425-RF radio-controlled solar LED helipad lighting system. The Air Support Unit’s chief pilot, Captain Graham... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The BBC is tonight reporting that Norfolk Police will stop using their leased Eurocopter AS355F2 Twin Squirrel at the end of the current fiscal year – 31st March 2011 – and that it is trying to buy a block of 220 hours a year from neighbouring force Suffolk Police. The vicarious benefit in doing this... Read more
17-Feb-2011Source: Long Beach Post
A 34-year old Long Beach woman has been arrested for pointing lasers at Police and Sheriff helicopters while they conducted a search for suspects in an unrelated incident in January. Kelly Ann Smith has been charged with two felony counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft.... Read more
16-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Late Tuesday evening, the Costa Mesa city council voted 4 to 1 in favour of cutting its “Eagle One” police helicopter program and eliminating two jobs which paid a total of almost $275,000. Costa Mesa has been one of the two major partners with Newport Beach in the ABLE “AirBorne Law Enforcement” program, which operated... Read more
15-Feb-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Estonian Police and Border Guard has taken delivery of its third AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will perform search and rescue, border patrol, medical missions and utility duties to support the community. The handover was performed during an official ceremony held at Tallinn Airport... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Thursday 27th January, the Air Support Unit at Melsbroek Airport was raided by up to 30 investigations after allegations of corruption. Investigators took computers, office records, accounts and flight log books. Allegations include private use of police helicopters, failure to comply with official procurement procedures and irregularities when entering into contacts with private companies. ... Read more
14-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
On Monday 7th February, the Military Police of Santa Catarina added an AW119Ke Koala to their fleet – registered PR-PMM and AW serial 14740. This follows the intorduction in December of their first example, Fitted equipment includes a Spectrolab SX16 searchlight, dual litters for medical evacuation work, external hook and an hoist. Future plans call... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: Record Searchlight
Kevin Wayne Foster was ordered to stand trial on two felony and two misdemeanor counts stemming from the potentially dangerous Dec. 6 helicopter incident. If convicted, Foster faces about 4 years 8 months in prison, said Shasta County Deputy District Attorney Craig Omura.... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: IACP
There are two International awards presented by the IACP Aviation Committee and Bell Helicopter Textron; one to recognize an individual who holds a management orleadership position in police aviation, and a second to anaviation unit that exemplifies excellence in airborne law enforcement. These two awards will emphasize initiatives to enhance the general level and safety of operations,... Read more
10-Feb-2011
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is expected to announce the future of its helicopter program Thursday, after the agency’s only pilot Scott Gerow resigned on 18th September last year amid an internal investigation. Sheriff Ed McMahon said he would explore all options for the four-year-old program–and cancelling it remains an option... Read more
9-Feb-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland has announced their optional “patent pending†IR internal filtering technology in the soon to be delivered HSL-1600 Helicopter Searchlight. In the past the 1600 watt infrared searchlights in the fleet have employed an IR filter flap that flips down over the main searchlight lens to accomplish night vision capability. Necessarily,... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Some 20 years after buying their fleet of four Bo105s, the Czech Police have finally retired the type. A total of four were acquired, two in 1991 with the second pair following the year after. Two were lost in accidents, one in April 1992 and the other in August 1999. The Bo105 has been on... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: Orange County Register
The police helicopter program jointly run by Costa Mesa and Newport Beach is on the chopping block at the request of two members of the Costa Mesa City Council. Councilmen Gary Monahan and Jim Righeimer are calling on the council to pull out of the Airborne Law Enforcement (ABLE) program to save money.... Read more
8-Feb-2011Source: Revue Thommen
REVUE THOMMEN of Waldenburg, Switzerland has announced they are in the final stages of development and production of the HSL-1600 Helicopter Searchlight. First production deliveries are scheduled for 2nd Quarter 2011. “Our 1600 watt searchlight has undergone extensive testing and practical flight trials under the scrutiny of major European helicopter OEM’s and several large fleet... Read more
7-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Meixco’s State Government of Chihuahua will donate one helicopter to the town of Ciudad Juárez to strengthen their public safety department. No details were given on the type of helicopter or its current/potential equipment level. The announcement was made by Governor César Duarte Jáquez while visiting the town last Tuesday for a regional security meeting... Read more
6-Feb-2011
HeliHub.com accident page – see 31-Jan-11 N530RL MD Helicopters MD530FF Waterman’s Peak, US-Arizona (1F)... Read more
4-Feb-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Ontario Provincial Police are on the point of adding a Eurocopter EC135P2+ to their fleet, perhaps two. In recent days, two new EC135s have been added to the Canadian register, including one as C-FOPP – a registration previously used by an AS355F2 of the Ontario Provincial Police which has in turn been transferred to C-GJYH. ... Read more
1-Feb-2011Source: Cobham
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has announced the selection of Cobham to supply Synthetic Vision Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS) for their fleet of Eurocopter and Bell helicopters. LAPD is the largest municipal airborne law enforcement operation in the world and serves a population base of four million. Operating a fleet of nineteen patrol helicopters in... Read more
31-Jan-2011Source: Contra Costa Times
Police officials want to buy the helicopters from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at a cost of up to $3.5M. The City Council will decide whether to approve the purchase at its Tuesday meeting. The city purchased the current EC130s, for $5.7M in 2001... Read more
31-Jan-2011Source: Donaldson
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company (NYSE:DCI), is helping a sheriff’s office safeguard thousands of citizens by protecting the department’s law enforcement helicopter from damaging debris and contaminants with a Donaldson Inlet Barrier Filter. Few rotorcraft cover a more beautiful and challenging territory than “Henry-1,†the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Bell 407. With... Read more
28-Jan-2011Source: KRON4
The pilot radioed for police who launched a search helicopter. The pilot of that helicopter says someone pointed a laser at him as well. That allowed officers on board to target a location for the laser... Read more
27-Jan-2011Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter has delivered two AS350 B3 helicopters to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Section. These are the first AS350 B3’s in the Aircraft Section’s all-Eurocopter fleet, which includes 13 Eurocopter AS350-series AStar helicopters and one EC145. The new AS350 B3’s provide increased power and performance and build on the proven reliability... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Zhejiang Public Security Bureau in China has placed an order for two helicopters comprising one AW119Ke single engine and one AW139 medium twin engine helicopter. The helicopters will be used for law enforcement and fire fighting duties. These two AgustaWestland helicopters were selected to serve... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Eyewitness News
The Pretoria News has reported that CCTV footage and Global Positioning System (GPS) data has been sent overseas for forensic analysis. See HeliHub.com accident page at 23-Jul-10 ZS-HMY Eurocopter BK117 Witbank, South Africa (7F) [File photo]... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: Miami Herald
As part of a plea agreement reached last month, 43-year-old Frank Newton Anderson pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of interfering with the operation of an aircraft. Authorities say Anderson temporarily blinded the helicopter pilot with a laser device last April.... Read more
25-Jan-2011Source: PAvCon Police Aviation Conference
The PAvCon 2011 website and associated information files has been launched at www.pavcon.org and www.policeaviationconference.com At the site you will find the following: – PAvCon The Event – an introduction to the event, the venue and the host city. Booking Form Delegate 2011 – Currently in faxback PDF format but interactive version due. Booking Form Exhibitor 2011... Read more
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: 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
