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.

Police Aircraft Crashes in Istanbul; Kills Four

Five people were onboard a Turkish polish helicopter that crashed in the waters off the coast of Beykoz in Istanbul last month. One pilot survived the crash with injuries while the four others did not survive.

"It is a very saddening accident. We lost four friends of ours," Hüseyin Çapkın, head of the İstanbul Police Department, told reporters after visiting the sole survivor of the crash, pilot Kemal Özdemir, at an Istanbul hospital. The pilot said the rotor began experiencing unusual vibrations, followed by the engine, just before the crash, which forced him to execute an emergency landing. The helicopter crashed in the water as he was trying to land.

Istanbul Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu said the cause of the crash would be determined following an examination of the helicopter's wreckage. "It is possible that it was caused by a technical malfunction because there is nothing in the area that the helicopter could crash into and the weather conditions were also fine," he said.

SOURCE: www.todayszaman.com

Wind Gust Causes Florida Chopper to Crash

A St. Lucie County (FL) Sheriff's Office helicopter crashed on May 29 after a strong gust of wind caused the aircraft to spin. The pilot, Deputy Shawn Sullivan, 44, was airlifted to the hospital where he was treated and released two days later. He was the only person on board the helicopter.

The chain of events started about 12:15 p.m. when the driver of a sport utility vehicle lost control while changing lanes. According to a Florida Highway Patrol accident report, the SUV overturned three times before coming to rest on the western paved shoulder of the highway. The sheriff's helicopter was called to the accident because there was concern that possibly a child had been ejected from the vehicle. The sheriff's helicopter began looking for the child, but it was later determined the driver was the SUV's sole occupant.

Witnesses said the helicopter, one of three OH-58s used by the sheriff's office, dropped straight down 20 to 25 feet. The helicopter's cockpit and cabin appeared intact, but its tail boom was bent and its rear rotor sheared off.

SOURCE: http://www.tcpalm.com

NTSB Makes Safety Recommendations Following Investigation of New Mexico Helicopter Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a determination last month that a New Mexico State Police (NMSP) helicopter pilot's decision to take off from a remote landing site, without conducting a thorough assessment of the weather and night time conditions, was the primary cause of the 2009 fatal crash. Contributing to the accident was an organizational culture within the New Mexico State Police that emphasized mission completion over safety, as well as pilot fatigue, stress and the pilot's self-induced pressure to complete the rescue mission.

On June 9, 2009, an Agusta A-109E helicopter, piloted by Andy Tigwall, crashed in mountainous terrain near Santa Fe. The flight was part of a search and rescue mission and had just taken off after picking up a lost hiker. The NMSP pilot and the rescued hiker were fatally injured, and a highway patrolman, who was acting as a spotter onboard the helicopter, was seriously hurt. The aircraft was substantially damaged.

While the NTSB found no evidence of any direct pressure on the pilot by NMSP or the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to complete this particular mission, they noted evidence of previous management decisions that emphasized acceptance and completion of all missions, regardless of conditions. This is not consistent with a safety-focused organizational culture.

NTSB also identified a number of safety-related deficiencies in the NMSP's aviation policies. Some of these deficiencies included the lack of a requirement for a risk assessment at any point during a mission; inadequate staffing levels to safely provide search and rescue coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; the lack of an effective fatigue management program for pilots; and the lack of procedures and equipment to ensure effective communication between airborne and ground personnel during search and rescue missions.

As a result of this accident investigation, the NTSB issued safety recommendations to the Governor of New Mexico, the Airborne Public Safety Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Association of State Aviation Officials. A synopsis of the NTSB report is available on the NTSB's website atwww.ntsb.gov/events/2011/Santa_Fe_NM/synopsis.htm. The NTSB's full report will be available on the website in several weeks.

Source: www.ntsb.gov

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Teenager Thanks Aircrew For Saving His Life

A 19-year-old who was seriously injured in a car crash last year visited Lancashire (UK) Constabulary's Air Support Unit last month to thank the officers for saving his life. At the time, the air ambulance was unavailable so the police helicopter attended the scene of the accident and took him to the hospital. The teen was unconscious for two months and spent over five months in the hospital being treated for a broken left leg, serious head trauma and liver injuries before being discharged in March.

"I would like to thank the members of the public whom I have been told assisted me at the scene, the paramedics and all other medical staff who tended to me and the police officers who dealt with the incident. Finally, a really big thank you to the Air Support Unit for getting me airlifted to the hospital safely and quickly. I am indebted to them as I feel they have saved my life," he said.

Air Support Unit Inspector Anne White said, "In exceptional circumstances, we will help to take people to hospital, which is what happened in this instance. We are pleased we were able to provide vital assistance to him on the evening of the accident."

Source: www.clicklancashire.com

Air Posse Operation Dubbed Success

Sheriff Joe Arpaio called a month-long offensive by the Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office, dubbed Operation Desert Sky, a success. The undertaking used the sheriff's air posse of fixed-wing aircraft to spot human and drug smugglers as they made their way from Mexico into the southern most border of Maricopa County. The aerial spotters then alerted deputies on the ground, who worked to apprehend the suspects.

Arpaio said deputies seized 6,000 pounds of marijuana, confiscated vehicles and guns and made 289 arrests. Of those arrested, 250 were illegal immigrants. "We find out, and we knew this, that much of the illegal aliens are being utilized by drug traffickers. So, we have a connection between drug trafficking and the illegal immigration problem," Arpaio said.

The sheriff promised said that another operation was coming soon. This one, he said in a news report, will be a crime suppression operation in the city of Phoenix to include the El Gran Mercado property. That is where a police officer was shot and killed in early May.

Source: www.kpho.com

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Sheriff Selling Helicopter To Buy Cars

Sheriff Dan Houston said last month that the Bernalillo County (NM) Sheriff's Department (BCSD) would sell its four-year-old AS350 helicopter. Houston said he hopes to sell the helicopter for $2.25 million and buy 40 new cars and a less expensive aircraft with the money.

"We have other areas of the department that are suffering and lacking attention financially because of the requirement and the high cost of trying to operate two helicopters," said Sheriff Houston. In addition to the AS350, BCSD also has a Huey. For now, the chopper is grounded as the department gets it ready for sale, and the Huey is on standby.

Source: www.krqe.com

Penalties For Shining Lasers At Aircraft

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt (pictured) held a press conference last month to announce that the FAA would begin to impose civil penalties against people who point a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft.

The FAA released a legal interpretation last month, which finds that directing a laser beam into an aircraft cockpit could interfere with a flight crew performing its duties while operating an aircraft, a violation of Federal Aviation Regulations. In the past, the FAA has taken enforcement action under this regulation against passengers physically on-board an aircraft that interfere with crewmembers. The recent interpretation reflects the fact that pointing a laser at an aircraft from the ground could seriously impair a pilot's vision and interferes with the flight crew's ability to safely handle its responsibilities. The maximum civil penalty the FAA can impose on an individual for violating the FAA's regulations that prohibit interfering with a flight crew is $11,000 per violation.

In 2010, Los Angeles International Airport recorded the highest number of laser events in the country for an individual airport with 102 reports, and the greater Los Angeles area tallied nearly twice that number, with 201 reports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport was a close second with 98 reports, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport tied for the third highest number of laser events for the year with 80 each. So far in 2011, the Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth areas each have recorded more than 45 laser events. The Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Houston areas each have recorded more than 30 laser events.

Some cities and states have laws making it illegal to shine lasers at aircraft and, in many cases, people can face federal charges. The FAA is prepared to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to assist with criminal prosecutions arising under those laws.

Legislation that would criminalize purposefully aiming a laser device at an aircraft is currently pending in Congress. The Senate included this language in the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which it passed on Feb. 17, 2011. On Feb. 28, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would enact a similar penalty for shining lasers at aircraft. Both bills are awaiting further action.

Source: FAA

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Last Chance to Win iPad: Enter Air Beat's Photo Contest!

Procrastination is the only reason that we can think of for not yet entering Air Beat's photo contest. You've got until the end of this month to send us cover-worthy photos --- we need them! Most all of the Air Beat magazine covers are taken by APSA members like you, so get out your digital camera and send us the best three photos you have about airborne law enforcement. The entry period is open until July 1, 2011.(Helpful tip: send vertical police aviation images at highest resolution possible.)

The winning entry will receive an iPad ---what are you waiting for? For submission and eligibility details, click herehttp://archives.alea.org/public/airbeat/contest/default.aspx.

The contest winner will be announced at the General Membership Meeting during the 41st Annual Conference & Exposition in New Orleans, LA on July 21, 2011.

IMPD To Sell Chopper To Keep Another Going

The Indianapolis (IN) Metro Police Department (IMPD) is trying to sell its most expensive aircraft in order to fund flying their other aircraft. IMPD's two helicopters have sat motionless since February 2010. The department wants to sell its MD 600 for $800,000 to pay for flying its older but more fuel efficient Bell JetRanger.

"It needs to happen immediately. They need to have that support out there for the officers and for the members of the public," said reserve officer Ryan Mason. "The officers and friends that I have, they are frustrated by the fact that they don't have the support from the air that they used to have; somebody watching their back, especially at night," said Mason.

Last month, city officials were confident that the helicopter was sold. But according to the city controller's office in late May, the chopper is back on the market.

SOURCE: www.wthr.com

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Sheriff Seeks Funds Through Commercial Licensing

The Onondaga County (NY) Sheriff's Office asked county lawmakers last month to release funding to keep its helicopter flying for the second half of this year. When the 2011 county budget was approved last October, the county legislature provided funding for the sheriff's helicopter, Air-1, through June 30. It placed the funding for the rest of the year, $342,123, in a contingency account to be released only if the Sheriff's Office showed substantial progress toward obtaining a commercial license for Air-1 and collecting private donations to defray operating costs.

A commercial license would allow the sheriff's office to charge fees for transporting accident victims to hospitals. The sheriff's office has transported patients in Onondaga County and surrounding counties for years, but it is not allowed under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules to charge fees without a commercial license. The department is in the process of filing an application with the FAA and hopes to obtain it by August 31st. The first fundraiser for Air 1 will be held on June 18th, with money going to the helicopter's new foundation.

Source: http://blog.syracuse.com

Partying Teens Flashed Laser At Aircraft

Two teenagers face up to 14 years in prison after allegedly shining a green laser repeatedly at a New Zealand Police Air Support Unit helicopter as it searched for a stolen car last month. The teenagers were apparently at a party when they heard the department's helicopter, Eagle One, flying above the area, lasing it when it came into sight. The pilot hovered over the house and alerted ground officers to the address. Police located the laser pen at the house and arrested both teenagers.

The teens appeared in the Auckland District Court last month and each were charged for endangering transport, which carries a maximum term of 14 years imprisonment. Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said green laser beams were much more dangerous to aircraft than red ones. They have a higher power rating and were 30 times brighter to the eye than red beams.

Source: www.nzherald.co.nz

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Oakland Police Helicopter To Return To The Skies

Budget cuts grounded the Oakland (CA) Police Department's (OPD) helicopter almost two years ago, but the OPD Aviation Unit's chopper, Argus One, has been cleared to take to the air. “One police helicopter is unmatched in its ability to respond to suspect pursuits, riots and missing persons reports. An officer in a police cruiser simply doesn't have the same speed and maneuverability as a police helicopter,” a department spokesman said.

Police Chief Anthony Batts has ordered the helicopter to return to the skies on a limited basis. The Aviation Unit's commander, Captain David Downing, welcomed the order and called the helicopter an invaluable asset. The chopper used to fly 1,200 hours a year. Under the new plan, it will fly 200 hours between now and March 2012.

Source: http://www.ktvu.com

Brazilian Agency Retrofits Entire Fleet

The Military Police of São Paulo, Brazil signed an agreement with Turbomeca (Safran Group) for the retrofit of its entire fleet of single-engine helicopters during the next two years. They will convert their 21 AS350B helicopters, powered with Arriel 1B engines, into AS350 B2 helicopters, powered with Arriel 1D1 engines.

The conversions are to be completed prior to the World Cup in 2014. The Arriel 1D1 engine features a very simple design, with a reduced number of parts and a modular design for easy maintenance. It offers a time between overhaul of 3,600 hours and a take-off power of 732 shp, 14% more powerful than the Arriel 1B.

The Military Police of São Paulo is the largest state police force in Brazil. The agency operates a fleet of 21 AS 350 and one EC 135 helicopters, all of which are powered by Turbomeca.

Source: Police Aviation News

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Joint Aviation Unit Celebrates Milestone

The Alachua County (FL) Joint Aviation Unit celebrated 15 years of operation last month at their hangar at the Gainesville Regional Airport. American Eurocopter, represented by Ed Van Winkle, who was a former unit commander and pilot, sponsored the event. Several surrounding air units sent aircraft and personnel. The celebration was well attended and a great Italian buffet dinner topped off the perfect weather.

The Joint Aviation Unit is a cooperative effort of the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and the Gainesville (FL) Police Department. Pilots and tactical flight officers from both agencies staff the unit, and costs are shared as well. Currently, the unit has five full-time and several part-time members and operates three OH-58 helicopters. In 2010, the unit flew 879 hours in support of both agencies.

Sheriff's Office To Receive Surplus Helicopter

Webb County (TX) Sheriff Martin Cuellar was given approval from county commissioners last month to add an OH-6A helicopter to his department. The helicopter, along with specialized equipment and training, is valued at just over $1 million but will be provided at no cost to the county with the help of a federal program.

The county has agreed to pay the $5,000 a year insurance cost, and the Webb County Sheriff's Office has agreed to use forfeiture money to maintain and even make improvements to the police helicopter. The department plans to unveil the new chopper in the next few weeks.

SOURCE: www.pro8news.com

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Helicopter Crew Makes Another Laser Arrest

A 31-year-old California man was arrested last month on suspicion of flashing a green laser three times at a Glendale (CA) Police Department helicopter crew. The man told officers that he didn't point a laser at the helicopter, but instead had been looking at stars through a telescope.

It was the second arrest connected to pointing a laser at a police helicopter in less than a week, prompting local officials to reissue warnings about the dangers that lasers pose to pilots. "It's not a game," said Glendale Police Sgt. Steve Robertson of the Joint Air Support Unit. "It's not a joke. It's an assault."

Incidents involving laser pointing at aircraft doubled from 1,527 in 2009 to 2,836 in 2010, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

SOURCE: www.glendalenewspress.com

Listen Up Exhibitors: Drive Traffic To Your APSA Booth!

Want extra tradeshow traffic? APSA will again have a daily conference newsletter called Air Beat Today, and we'd like to help you drive traffic to your booth with free editorial space to exhibitors! Content is due by June 17, 2011. Don't delay!

Submitting your material is easy! An online submission form can be found here.  Editorial is published on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please direct any questions to airbeat@PublicSafetyAviation.org.

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Optimize Your Missions With Continuing Education:
New Orleans, July 18-23, 2011

Technology, management, aviation safety, regulatory issues, training, tactics and budgets are all components of police aviation. It is more important than ever for public safety aviation professionals to stay up-to-date with their continuing education. There is no better place to do so than next month at APSA's 41st Annual Conference and Exposition in New Orleans, LA.

APSA will conduct eight in-depth Pre-Conference Courses and 40 educational classes during the week of July 18-23, 2011 – all created specifically for the public safety aviation professional. Registration is affordable and easy – and a fantastic value! Visithttp://archives.alea.org/events/Annual-Conference to register!