Aviation plays a significant role in protecting our natural resources.  Enforcement of fish and game regulations, search and rescue, wildlife and forest health surveys, wildlife management, damage assessments, fire detection and firefighting, aerial photography and transportation of wildlife biologists, land managers and related equipment are just some of the missions flown by natural resource aircrews. They often operate at low levels and their aircraft have floats, skis, wheels and skids, and increasingly include UAS. This is our first issue in four years dedicated solely to this segment of public safety aviation.
>>  Bonus circulation: AUVSI's XPONENTIAL 2023 | May 8-11, 2023 | Denver, CO

APSA returns to the sunny central Florida city of Orlando for the first time in a decade for APSCON 2023, our 52nd annual conference and exposition.  Join us, July 17-22, at our premier annual event and partake in world-class public safety aviation training and networking. And take some time before or after APSCON to enjoy the world-class attractions Orlando and the surrounding area have to offer. This issue previews the conference courses and classes, the exposition, the host city and the host agency, and provides housing, registration and exhibitor information.
>> Bonus - Host an event for all members during the conference and receive a free 1/4-page ad featuring your company’s event.

Human external cargo operations, the transporting of humans suspended under a helicopter via a hoist, short-haul or long line, have become common in public safety aviation. Whether for rescue or personnel deployment and/or extraction, more helicopters are being outfitted with HEC equipment than ever before. This issue looks at the regulations, training, procedures and equipment to safely conduct these operations. We also profile units that successfully perform these missions on a regular basis.
>> Bonus circulation: APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 2023 | July 17-22, 2023 | Orlando, FL

A lot has changed since 2009 when we last took a look at aircrew composition in terms of sworn or non-sworn. Back then, we focused primarily on law enforcement pilots of manned aircraft. But there is much more to consider today: fire, search and rescue, and natural resources all are operating aircraft in addition to the police. Throw in unmanned aircraft and the dynamic changes again. This issue looks at successful units from each of the public safety aviation disciplines operating manned and/or unmanned aircraft and the personnel composition they use to maximize aircrew effectiveness.

Our annual look at the latest advances and innovations in technology to assist in safer, more effective and more efficient public safety aviation.  This issue provides an overview of all advancing technologies on display at APSCON 2023 while specifically focusing on the latest advancements in night vision and thermal imaging equipment and usage.  Also included is a recap of the highlights of APSCON 2023, including our awards winners and scholarship recipients.

Aircrews involved in manned public safety aviation must prepare for survival in case they are involved in the unthinkable, an aircraft accident. In this issue, we take a look at protective and survival equipment and training that will keep you alive in a worst-case scenario.