It has transpired recently that Alaska State Troopers have grounded one of their two AS350B3 helicopters in an attempt to save money, and they only have a guarantee to fly the second until the end of June 2016. A budget decision awaits the future of the unit beyond that date. The Troopers have grounded “Helo-2”… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Oct-15
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office now has a fully staffed helicopter crew after a pilot on paid administrative leave returned to duty and joined four other airmen, including three new hires. See Full Story
Source: News Journal, 15-Oct-15
Bond, A Babcock International Group company, formally handed over the first of seven redesigned and upgraded EC135 T2+ helicopters to the National Police Air Service (NPAS) at Helitech International today (October 7). The aircraft features a new custom-designed mission suite with a range of integrated technologies including a next generation mission management system, advanced and… Read more »
Source: Bond Air, 12-Oct-15
The German Federal Police, Bundespolizei(BPOL), has selected Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, to fully modernize their fleet of 18Airbus Helicopters AS332L1 Super Puma aircraft through a NATO/NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract with proven EFIS and avionics upgrades from Universal Avionics and other suppliers. To quickly… Read more »
Source: Heli-One, 06-Oct-15
Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has been awarded a new contract by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). Heli-One will complete a 5,000 Flight Hour inspection on two of the agency’s Bell helicopters, followed by a full strip and repaint with defect rectification. The work will be… Read more »
Source: Heli One, 05-Oct-15
M International’s Keystone Turbine Services, LLC (KTS) is pleased to announce they’ve been chosen to provide complete engine, module and accessory maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the City of Houston’s Police Department Air Support Division fleet of Rolls-Royce Model 250-powered helicopters. Under this exclusive five-year contract, KTS will provide total life-cycle support for all… Read more »
Source: M International, 05-Oct-15
Vector Aerospace (www.vectoraerospace.com), a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, is pleased to announce it has signed a three-year contract with the Anaheim Police Department to provide MRO support for their Airbus Helicopters AS350B2 components. “This contract is another example of our excellence in tip-to-tail MRO support capabilities for AS350… Read more »
Source: Vector, 05-Oct-15
Gwinnett County MD 500E is the first of two aviation unit helicopters to get a make-over through the MDHI-exclusive, FAA-approved factory-recertification program Mesa, Ariz., September 30, 2015 – MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery of a newly certified, zero-time MD 530F helicopter to the Gwinnett County Police Department. Previously operated as an MD… Read more »
Source: MD Helicopters, 02-Oct-15
Humberside police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove says he will not sign over the force helicopter to a national scheme until he is assured the area will be sufficiently protected. See Full Story
Source: Hull Daily Mail, 25-Sep-15
Police air support in the UK is set to become 24/7 all weather capable for the first time with the introduction of fixed wing aircraft into the service’s fleet. The National Police Air Service has now awarded a contract for four fixed wing aircraft to be based in a purpose built facility, serving the whole… Read more »
Source: NPAS, 24-Sep-15
A Friday incident involving a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy shooting from a helicopter above the 215 Freeway is raising eyebrows in law enforcement. See Full Story
Source: SCPR, 24-Sep-15
Airbus Helicopters Inc. has delivered the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, in Fort Myers, Fla. its AS350 BA AStar helicopter after completion of the aircraft’s second 12-year Inspection. The 12-year Inspection effectively resets the helicopter’s inspection cycles to zero, updates the aircraft with all applicable factory configuration changes and confirms its compliance with applicable Federal Aviation… Read more »
Source: Airbus, 22-Sep-15
A driver involved in a high-speed chase in California was struck by gunfire from a police helicopter, officials have confirmed. See Full Story
Source: BBC News, 22-Sep-15
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has earmarked N5.3 billion for the purchase of rescue helicopter and other security intervention. See Full Story
Source: The News Nigeria, 22-Sep-15
Guangzhou Police and Airbus helicopters signed an agreement today for an order of one H145 light helicopter for law enforcement duties, to be delivered at the end of 2016. “Helicopters are a great resource for law enforcement agencies, as they can effectively help ground forces to accomplish a multitude of operations including air patrol, transportation… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 21-Sep-15
Police in Cumbria will now be able to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to help tackle crime and keep people safe. Earlier this year, staff from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit purchased two UAVs in order to assess the benefits of using them as an operational resource. Rigorous testing has taken place and they have… Read more »
Source: Cumbria Police, 16-Sep-15
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today the delivery and return to service of two (2) Columbus Police Department helicopters. Operated as MD 500E models since 2007, the two aircraft are rejoining the Columbus Aviation Unit as new, factory-built, FAA-certified F-models. In June of this year the Columbus Division of Police committed to a revitalization of… Read more »
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Sep-15
Police authorities across China will double the size of their helicopter fleets within five years, according to a police aviation official. See full story
Source: Xinhuanet, 14-Sep-15
The Ontario Provincial Police decision to pull its search-and-rescue helicopter from Sudbury and station it in Orillia is penny-wise and pound-foolish. See full story
Source: Timmins Press, 14-Sep-15
AgustaWestland announced today that Yunnan Provincial Police Department has placed an order for one AW139 intermediate helicopter. The aircraft will be used for law enforcement, border patrol, special operations, and utility missions in the region and is expected to enter service in 2016. The contract for the AW139 by Yunnan Provincial Police Department, awarded following… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 09-Sep-15
Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has delivered nine Ka-32A11BC helicopters to China, where they will be operated by public security agencies and commercial companies. «Nine Ka-32A11BC helicopters have been delivered to Chinese commercial and state operators. These helicopters will be operated by the city of Ordos’ Main Directorate of Public Security, Shanghai Public… Read more »
Source: Russian Helicopters, 04-Sep-15
The Slovak Police have held an acceptance ceremony to announce the arrival of their first Bell 429 helicopter at Bratislava Airport on Monday 17th August. Fitted with a hoist and spotlight externally, the helicopter is in a dark green and whilte scheme Interior Minister Robert Kaliňák led the event. A second example is due before… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Aug-15
The Suffolk County Police Department recently added a new H145, formerly known as the EC145, to its fleet, replacing an older AS350B2. Metro Aviation completed the twin-engine aircraft at its completion center in Shreveport, Louisiana. “The completion process was smooth and seamless,” said Sergeant Brian Barrett, Commanding Officer for the police department’s aviation section. “We… Read more »
Source: Metro Aviation, 11-Aug-15
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and BIRD Aerosystems, announced today the signature of a cooperation agreement to integrate the BIRD Aerosystems Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation (ASIO) package as a complete end-to-end airborne information surveillance and reconnaissance solution (ISR) for the Bell 407GXP. “Bell Helicopter and BIRD Aerosystems have worked closely together to… Read more »
Source: Bell Helicopter, 31-Jul-15
Robinson Helicopter Company announced its R66 Turbine Police Helicopter with the FLIR Systems Ultra 8000 Infrared Camera and the Spectrolab SX-7 searchlight with 30-million candlepower has been reconfigured to include a multitude of upgrades. This high performance 4-place police helicopter comes standard with a Garmin G500H Primary and Multifunction Display System (PFD/MFD), a Garmin GTN… Read more »
Source: Robinson, 29-Jul-15
With a large gathering watching, the first dedicated Calgary Police Service helicopter touched down. See full story
Source: Calgary Sun, 20-Jul-15
Lower Saxony Police – or Neidersachsen Polizei in local language – have two new Airbus EC135P2e helicopters on order. The first aircraft was due for delivery in June according to the May/June edition of Lower Saxony Police’s proPolizei publication, with the second following in the fourth quarter of 2015. Both will be based at Langenhagen… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Jul-15
BellHelicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the final delivery of the fourth Bell 429 to the New York Police Department (NYPD). Bell Helicopter and NYPD commemorated the final delivery today at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association Expo in Houston, Texas where the NYPD’s new Bell 429 was on display in the Textron… Read more »
Source: Bell Helicopters, 17-Jul-15
ForeFlight, maker of the leading flight app for pilots, today announced connectivity with Garmin avionics, broadening the flight planning, in-flight, and connectivity capabilities available to customers. When connected to Garmin Flight Stream, ForeFlight Mobile customers can now wirelessly receive ADS-B weather and traffic, precise GPS position data, and dynamic pitch and bank information on iPad… Read more »
Source: ForeFlight, 17-Jul-15
A storm is brewing in the National Police Service (NPS) over the purchase of a Sh900 million helicopter that aviation and security experts say is unsuitable for police operations. See full story
Source: Standard Digital, 17-Jul-15
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today it will deploy a custom-developed microwave downlink solution for the Suffolk County Police Department’s Aviation Section. The new system will provide a real-time HD video and data link between the Department’s two Eurocopter AS350B2 AStar helicopters… Read more »
Source: Helinet, 17-Jul-15
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Defense Solutions division has further expanded its industry-leading Video Management System (VMS) product family with the introduction of the newest member of its lower cost rugged LCD mission displays. Addressing the growing demand for affordable, high performance mission displays, the new 10.4” PVDU2600 touchscreen display combines high… Read more »
Source: Curtiss Wright, 17-Jul-15
Helinet Technologies, an international provider of aviation technology solutions to the law enforcement, government and military markets, announced today its selection by the Nassau County Police Department to deploy a comprehensive airborne law enforcement solution for the Department’s Aviation Bureau. Developed to meet the specific needs of the Nassau County PD, the new microwave downlink… Read more »
Source: Helinet, 17-Jul-15
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Defense Solutions division has introduced the latest member of its industry leading family of rugged video recorders, the VRDV7000 Dual-Channel HD-SDI Video Recorder. The VRDV7000 is a lightweight, small form-factor DZUS-mounted video recorder designed for capturing high definition (HD) mission video with accurate metadata in demanding aerospace,… Read more »
Source: Curtiss Wright, 17-Jul-15
The Night Vision Awards will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The event will be held in Ballroom 372 ABDE at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas in conjunction with the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) Annual Convention. The awards ceremony will feature light hors d’oeuvres and libations and honor various departments and… Read more »
Source: ASU, 16-Jul-15
FlightSafety has been selected by the Los Angeles Police Department Air Support Unit to provide training for the Bell 412 helicopter. “Our King Air pilots have experienced consistently high quality training and support from FlightSafety for years, so they were our first choice to support us launching the Bell 412 program,” said Officer Kevin Gallagher,… Read more »
Source: FlightSafety, 16-Jul-15
The San Diego Police Department announced Wednesday that loudspeaker public-address messages periodically broadcast from the sky by the agency’s helicopter crews — often unintelligibly, many contend — are now available online, as well, for clarity’s sake.See Full Story
Source: KPBS, 16-Jul-15
These are good times for Orange County. See full story
Source: Orlando Sentinal, 16-Jul-15
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces its participation in the 2015 Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA)Expo, July 15-17, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The MD Helicopters booth, #721, will feature one of eight (8) MD 500Es in active service with the Houston Police Department, along with industry-leading systems and components designed… Read more »
Source: MD Helicopters, 16-Jul-15
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) has announced the beginning of L.E.A.S.E., Law Enforcement Air Support Entity. L.E.A.S.E. is a program designed to offer law enforcement agencies a path to new aircraft, state of the art support packages, and all of the latest equipment for an affordable price. As government budgets have become more constrained the ability… Read more »
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 15-Jul-15
Avionics innovator and digital technology provider, Becker Avionics USA has announced the appointment of David Oglesbee as director of sales. Oglesbee will oversee the sales and marketing efforts for the company. Company president Luis Gonzalez commented, “Dave brings with him significant industry knowledge and background and we welcome the addition of his talent to our… Read more »
Source: Becker Avionics, 15-Jul-15
Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG) announced at the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention that the company has signed an agreement with Magellan Aerospace (“Magellan”) to distribute the Wire Strike Protection System (WSPS™) globally. The agreement allows PAG to sell and distribute Magellan-developed aftermarket kits for Bell models 206, 204, 205, 210, 212, 412,… Read more »
Source: PAG, 15-Jul-15
Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) announced today that the company has launched a new trade up program on the latest White Phosphor NVGs due to increasing demand for the innovative new goggles. “Last year at the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention we unveiled the new White Phosphor NVGs,” said ASU president Jim Winkel…. Read more »
Source: ASU, 15-Jul-15
From the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention held in Houston Texas, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) revealed their new patent pending N16HT Pro (Night Pro) system. N16HT Pro is a wireless imaging, recording and disseminating night vision system used during periods of low light level conditions. The ASU N16HT Pro fully integrates and… Read more »
Source: ASU, 15-Jul-15
From the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention held in Houston Texas, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) announced the OWLS system is now being offered as an affordable gimbal for manned aircraft platforms. Originally designed to be lightweight for coupling with an aerial drone or unmanned aircraft, the OWLS system has proven to be… Read more »
Source: ASU, 15-Jul-15
From the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention held in Houston Texas, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) showcased the OPTEX Red Tail Digital Spotting Scope. The Wifi enabled spotting scope has an optical 45X high definition image that records images or videos straight to a smartphone or tablet (wireless range of 150 feet minimum)…. Read more »
Source: ASU, 15-Jul-15
Airbus Helicopters Inc. is pleased to announce that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have taken delivery of new Airbus Helicopters H125s as part of the two agencies’multi-year fleet replacement plans.The H125 is the U.S. law enforcement market sales leader. CHPrecently took delivery of itsthird H125 (previously AS350 B3e),… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 15-Jul-15
Airbus Helicopters Inc. is pleased to announce the delivery of a second H145 helicopter to the Suffolk County Police Department (Long Island, N.Y.). The new H145 (previously EC145) has joined the department’s existing fleet of one H145 and two AS350B2s, and will replace an older AS350B2 AStar. The Suffolk County H145s primarily conduct medical evacuation… Read more »
Source: Airbus Helicopters, 15-Jul-15
From the Airborne Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) annual convention held in Houston Texas, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc., (ASU) revealed their new partnership with BearTek™ Gloves, a patented glove technology that fully integrates with the new N16HT Pro (Night Pro) night vision system patent pending. BearTek™ transforms any glove into the most convenient, safe and accurate remote control… Read more »
Source: ASU, 15-Jul-15
Airbus Helicopters Inc. is proud to announce that the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has ordered the first H125 AStar produced on the new final assembly line at the company’s production facility in Columbus, Miss. The AStar, America’s most popular single-engine turbine helicopter, is now built in the United States by American workers. Airbus Helicopters… Read more »
Source: Airbus, 14-Jul-15
Nestled in the heart of Shreveport, Louisiana, Metro Aviation’s sprawling, 160,000 square-foot completion facility produces aircraft for some of the world’s most notable law enforcement, air medical and corporate entities. The worldwide completion leader will be exhibiting at this year’s Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) conference and exposition at the George R. Brown Convention Center… Read more »
Source: Metro Aviation, 14-Jul-15
FlightSafety International announces that it is building Level D qualified full flight simulators for single-engine helicopters operated by many law enforcement and other public safety agencies. The Airbus AS350 B3, Airbus EC130T2, and Bell 407GX simulators will be installed at the new Learning Center FlightSafety is building adjacent to the Denver International Airport in Colorado…. Read more »
Source: FlightSafety, 14-Jul-15
The Government of Gujarat has constituted two committees to purchase a separate helicopter for state police. See full story
Source: DeshGujarat, 13-Jul-15
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) continues to add to its list of operators relying on its industry-leading Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) systems for airborne law enforcement missions. Donaldson filtration systems are utilized by more than 40 U.S. law enforcement agencies, including new customers, the California Highway Patrol (CHP),… Read more »
Source: Donaldson, 13-Jul-15
Fox 2, the new Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, was introduced to the media yesterday by Sheriff Joe Arpaio at Deer Valley Airport in North Phoenix. The tail number N977MS memorializes fallen Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy William Coleman (badge #977), who was was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call in Anthem… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Jul-15
In making the announcement, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler cited safety, cost, focus and usage as reasons for the decision. See full story
Source: Wbal TV, 08-Jul-15
The new MD530F replaces an MD500E which was lost after an accident last year. See full story. The new aircraft is registered N507MP but as of today, the FAA shows this as reserved and not allocated. The aircraft serial is 0226FF, currently registered N60426 Last years accident – see 08-Jun-14 N504MP MD Helicopters MD500E Gilbert,… Read more »
Source: KPHO/KTVK, 01-Jul-15
Airbus Helicopters is on the point of delivering the 1,000th Dauphin 2 – by which we are including the 365N models including the EC155 (technically the AS365N4). Starting at serial 6001, the authorities in Japan have issued the registration JA08AR to an AS365N3+ with serial 7001. That marks the passing of the 1,000th delivery and… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 30-Jun-15
Winnipeg police have apologized and launched an investigation after officers flying in a helicopter mistakenly broadcast a cockpit conversation that one person says referred to a sex act. See Full Story.
Source: CTV News Winnipeg, 26-Jun-15
With its sights on the airport, the City Council has unanimously approved a structurally balanced budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. See Full Story.
Source: Daily Bulletin, 26-Jun-15
Days after the Florence County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its new helicopter in April, as part of its new aviation division, two Lake City aviators were charged with felonies by the department for operating another helicopter the sheriff’s office was acquiring. See Full Story
Source: Scnow, 24-Jun-15
BellHelicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the sale of the first Bell 412EPI in Europe to the Czech Police. The helicopter will be used for search and rescue missions and is expected to be delivered by the end of the year. “The BELL 412 EPI is one of the most reliable, rugged… Read more »
Source: Bell, 23-Jun-15
Bavarian Police in Germany has received the first upgraded H135s, which are benefitting from a retrofit package that significantly improves the operating performance and the handling qualities – all while retaining the best-in-class payload lift capabilities of this lightweight twin-engine rotorcraft. The retrofit program is designed to bring previously-built models of the EC135 to the… Read more »
Source: Airbus, 18-Jun-15
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announced today an agreement with the Columbus Division of Police, Columbus, Ohio, to upgrade four of the Aviation Unit’s six MD 500E helicopters to new MD 530Fs. Available exclusively through the MD Helicopters factory, the E-to-F conversion allows MD 500E operators the option to factory-recertify their aircraft as a brand new… Read more »
Source: MD Helicopters, 15-Jun-15
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office is replacing a 1967 helicopter that it has used for the past 17 years. See Full Story
Source: ChicoER, 11-Jun-15
The town may buy out the private developer of a hangar for the State Police’s SouthStar Aeromedical Helicopter, after a subcontractor filed a wage complaint with the state, stopping work on a project that must be completed by winter. See Full Story
Source: Press Of Atlantic City, 11-Jun-15
Heli-One, the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, has delivered its 200th Turbomeca Arriel engine overhaul from its Fort Collins facility – distinguishing Heli-One as an MRO leader on that series of engines. (http://www.heli-one.ca). The 200 overhaul milestone was reached when completing a 3,600 hour inspection and overhaul of… Read more »
Source: Heli-One, 11-Jun-15
It has become clear that small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are proven vital public safety tools, but back in 2008 that vision wasn’t as clear. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was one of the first U.S. public safety agencies to formally start an sUAS program, work with the FAA to secure an operational COA,… Read more »
Source: Draganfly, 13-May-15
Raptor 1, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, has flown several missions since the agency acquired it from the federal government this spring, but with no substantial funding the new aviation program is still up in the air. See Full Story File photo
Source: Scnow, 12-May-15
Revue Thommen AG is pleased to announce the selection of the HSL-1600 searchlight system by The Swedish National Police. The Bell 429 fleet of seven new aircraft, will feature the Thommen searchlight system fully integrated into the aircraft camera and mapping systems, for full optimization of the HSL-1600 feature set. This is a joint program… Read more »
Source: Revue Thommen, 11-May-15
With lots of local backlash, the Ontario Provincial Police felt the need to issue the following statement:- While I can understand and I am sympathetic to the desire of the people of the Sudbury area to keep one of the OPP’s helicopters based at the Sudbury Airport, I need to set the record straight on why… Read more »
Source: OPP, 06-May-15
The National Transportation Safety Board has taken state police forces to task for a series of fatal helicopter crashes in recent years from Maryland to Alaska. But perhaps the board levied its heaviest criticism at the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) for the fatal crash of its AgustaWestland AW109E back in 2009. See Full Story
Source: Multi Briefs: Exclusive, 06-May-15
The Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol has put forward a budget request to the Controlling Board of the Ohio Office of Budget and Management for a new helicopter. Agenda item DPS0100351-15 for yesterday’s meeting reads “The Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), respectfully requests Controlling Board approval to waive… Read more »
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-May-15
[electronic translation] Helibras is the delivery of an EC145 helicopter C2 to police and surveillance use the Secretariat of Public Security of Rio de Janeiro (RJ-SSP) during LAAD 2015 International Fair for Security and Defence on Tuesday (13), the 11:30 am, in Rio de Janeiro. This first unit is set out in the company’s booth… Read more »
Source: Helibras, 20-Apr-15
A man wearing body armor and carrying a gun was arrested while walking on a helicopter pad at Boston Medical Center on Saturday, according to Boston police. See Full Story
Source: The Boston Globe, 20-Apr-15
