2024:
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Issue 333 January 2024
CALIFORNIA: The attacks on the cost and effectiveness of the Los Angeles Police Department helicopters continue. A newly published audit document claims that Los Angeles spends nearly $50m a year on its police helicopter programme, or roughly $3,000 for every hour of flight.
The LA controller’s report released in early December suggests the use of LA police department (LAPD) helicopters is nearly constant across the city, and the majority of flight time is not in response to reports of major crimes, but instead for mixed uses including transportation, ceremonial trips or patrols. In a further negative comment, the document states that the flights are a major source of pollution and appear to disproportionately affect some communities of colour.
LAPD’s Air Support Division (ASD), operates 17 helicopters and has more than 90 employees, costs the city an average of $46.6M a year. The yearly cost exceeds that of fourteen other city departments.
APD’s chief refutes the methodology and some findings.
The controller’s analysis of air operations from 2018 through 2022 found that there are typically two helicopters flying for 20 hours a day every day of the year, logging an average of 16,000 hours of flight time
each year. The helicopters burn an estimated 761,600 gallons of fuel yearly, releasing more than 7,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to the report, which said this output was equivalent to over 19M miles driven by petrol powered cars.
The audit identified 783 instances of ceremonial “fly-by” activities of the helicopter unit over the five-year period. That included flights over LAPD graduations, retirements, funerals and community events. Considered inappropriate were flights that included a six-hour flight for a gathering called a “Chili Fly-In”; seven “fly-by” activities at golf tournaments; and a roundtrip helicopter ride that took two LAPD officials from downtown headquarters to a meeting at a station 20 miles away.
Ed: The text in the report stated that it was not clear how the controller calculated the estimated $3,000 an hour cost, a figure more appropriate to European police air support helicopters with two engines and often
a larger crew, the LAPD helicopters are of the H125 model and single engine. That $50M a year overall cost is similar to the figures being quoted for the NPAS fleet in the UK. The controller states that the estimates were based on costs of labour, fuel, procurement, helicopter acquisition, maintenance, overhead and other related expenses.
CALIFORNIA: Orange County Fire Authority has a new tool in their arsenal to fight wildfires. Last month the agency unveiled one of two HeloPods on designed to enhance their wildfire fighting capabilities.
Getting water in remote parts of the county during wildfires can be hard and takes up valuable time. Time is lost transiting to standing water sites close to fires and the new equipment is set to improve the situation in some cases. Choppers will be able to lower their hoses into the HeloPod and fill up. The tanks are connected to a hydrant and will refill automatically.
One of the pods is on the Quest Diagnostics campus off Ortega Highway in San Juan Capristano, another in L.A. County, is a similar 8,000-gallon heli-hydrant serving as a dip source for helicopters. This tank is
radio controlled by the pilot of the helicopter, the pilot can tell this tank when to fill up and when they will be lowering their hose to take water. Prior to the HeloPod being put in place, the nearest standing water added around 12 minutes to the turnaround time. A long time in fire terms.
Ed: As is often the case, the TV report on these water dams over did the rhetoric in calling these facilities “state of the art” but they are new equipment.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... 024PAN.pdf
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Issue 334 February 2024
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ry2024.pdf
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Issue 335 March 2024
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... arch24.pdf
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Issue 336 April 2024
CALIFORNIA: At the Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California late in February Bell Textron Inc., confirmed the deliveries of three SUBARU Bell 412EPX, two to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and one to San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Both operators serve parts of California.
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s aviation unit, Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA), completes nearly 6,000 public safety missions each year with its all-Bell fleet of emergency response helicopters, including four Bell 407GXis, three Bell 205s, and its newest addition of a SUBARU Bell 412EPX. ASTREA plans to use its SUBARU Bell 412EPX in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighters to combat wildfires within the region.
As the lead aerial law enforcement agency for the largest county in the U.S. covering an area over 20,000 square miles, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilise their two SUBARU Bell 412EPXs for critical law enforcement missions and emergency response assistance including wildfire management and search-and-rescue operations. Over 50 years ago, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began its operations with their two Bell 47Gs and have since expanded their fleet to 17 aircraft, which includes two Bell UH-1Hs, a Bell 212, and the most recent purchase of two SUBARU Bell
412EPXs.
CNC Technologies announced the completion of a law enforcement mission suite upgrade for Fontana PD’s newest AS350-B2 AStar. Fontana also contracted CNC Technologies for recurring service, support and training for 3 years which will maintain uptime and proficiency of the sophisticated systems.
CNC Technologies equipped the aircraft with Shotover ARS750 augmented reality system, Troll downlink equipment (including Linkbox II and Mini II), and compatible downlink infrastructure with CNC.Live video streaming. With CNC.Live, Fontana PD is able to securely broadcast aircraft video imagery to ground based command staff with the added benefit of being compatible with neighbouring agencies including Ontario PD and LASD. Fontana PD’s new AStar adds to their existing fleet of two Robinson R66 law enforcement aircraft.
CALIFORNIA: The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office based in Modesto, California has approved the negotiation of a selling price of a surplus helicopter to the adjoining Merced County Sheriff's Office in Los Banos, CA. In late February the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved the declaration of the 1972 Bell 206B2 JetRanger II N206BG c/n 861 as surplus equipment.
The Sheriff’s Office aircraft fleet consists of three helicopters and two fixed wing. One of the helicopters, the Bell 206B2, was donated to the County by Gallo Wineries in 2002, with subsequent role equipment upgrades funded by the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team and Stanislas Drug Enforcement Agency.
In 2022, the Sheriff’s Office replaced the Bell with a 2014 Bell 407GXP with 4,680 hours on it and now needs to dispose of the older asset. At the time of the acquisition of the new 407 the JetRanger was said to be less structurally sound and presenting many challenges due to its age. Although it has flown this year it stopped regular flying in the third quarter of 2023. The third helicopter is a Bell 206L LongRanger N206LW c/n 45182. That was damaged in 2016 but has now been repaired and returned to service.
The Merced Sheriff’s Office has retained a certified third-party firm and has appraised the aircraft at $533,500, before any maintenance or other recommended repairs to the aircraft were deducted. The Sheriff’s Office has reviewed this appraisal and is recommending selling this aircraft as-is for a sales price of $400,000. The helicopter has multiple deferred maintenance needs/repairs in the near future, including an overhaul of the engine. The value of these repairs exceeds $150,000. Any needed repairs or upgrades would be done by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office after the aircraft is transferred to their inventory
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... Nlinks.pdf
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Issue 337 May 2024
CALIFORNIA: The City of Riverside in California has recently listed two MD500E helicopters and a fixed wing on the GovDeals auction site. The rotary pair have been replaced by Airbus H125 helicopters, which were delivered in summer 2023.
One 500E of the pair being auctioned, N651RP c/n 0583E, is a 2008 model with 8,996 airframe hours and 18,693 engine hours, while the second, N811RP c/n 0526E, is an older 1996 model with 16,140 airframe hours and 17,632 engine hours. Both aircraft are currently in storage with main blades boxed for shipment.
Riverside are also selling a 2011 Cessna T206H single N903KA with 1,268 airframe hours and a Rolls Royce 250 engine. At the time of publication none of the bids had met the reservice prices placed on the items. The auction closes on May 9, 2024.
CALIFORNIA: The annual airborne emergency services gathering at the Rose Bowl Stadium near Pasadena took place in the middle of last month.
The venue is famous for football but has become synonymous with public service helicopters in recent years.
In perfect weather conditions the 33rd annual Pasadena PD Fly In attracted some 30 helicopters’, a slight increase on last year. The event is primarily an attraction for the public, boosting would be public service fans and employees but in that it brings together law enforcement helicopters for emergency preparedness training. it also attracts a limited vendor presence if only because the aircraft are fitted with specific role gear.
Among the vendors were Canadian company Meeker Aviation, a major supplier of role equipment and already on the majority of attending aircraft, CNC Technologies and, from Norway, Axnes. The latter had Dale Johnson enjoying the sights and sounds of the Rose Bowl. Helicopter Fly-In while manning a tent.
This exercise involves agencies from as far away as San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside Counties (all of which already rely on the PNG Wireless ICS for their critical crew communications).
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... 24SM_2.pdf
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Issue 338 June 2024
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... 24PANa.pdf
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Issue 339 July 2024
CALIFORNIA: King's County Sheriff in California have bought MD500E N197E from Kern County Sheriff, based further south at Bakersfield in the same state. The aircraft was delivered on 2nd April of this year to their operational base at Hanford Municipal Airport (KHJO) and the FAA processed the ownership change in early June. King's County covers around 1,400 square miles and has a population of 150,000. Meanwhile, Kern County continue to operate their other 500E, but we expect that it is up for disposal as they have taken delivery of two new Airbus H125s
CALIFORNIA: Enloe Health unveiled its new Airbus H130 helicopter during a dedication ceremony at the Chico Air Museum.
Enloe Health’s FlightCare is the only hospital-owned and -operated air ambulance operation in California.
The new H130 arrived in Chico last month, after being manufactured by Airbus in France and retrofitted as an air ambulance by United Rotorcraft in Colorado. The new aircraft is an updated version of Enloe
Health’s existing H130 (EC130T2). Both helicopters have additional space to accommodate lifesaving technologies, such as a temperature-controlled incubator for newborns and specialized equipment to transport complex heart patients. Additionally, these helicopters have extra seating to help keep families together during transport.
FlightCare provided 1,040 patient transports in 2022 and 923 in 2023. The primary aircraft flies around 1,000 hours per year. A scheduled rotation between the current H130 and the new aircraft will allow Enloe to extend the life of both helicopters. The current backup aircraft, the 23-year-old AStar helicopter, will be retired.
The cost new H130 cost approximately $5.4M, and the Enloe Health Foundation covered the majority of the cost through philanthropic gifts from the community. The fundraising efforts are ongoing. FlightCare began in 1985. Since then, it has served more than 25,000 patients across Butte, Tehama, Glenn, Plumas, Colusa, Sierra, Yuba and Lassen counties.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ly2024.pdf
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Issue 340 August 2024
CALIFORNIA: Merced County Sheriff has recently acquired a Bell 206B JetRanger N206BG from nearby Stanislaus County, which will operate alongside their Robinson R44 Raven II and a Bell UH1H. The recently transacted JetRanger is a 1972 built aircraft which had been acquired by Stanislaus
County in January 2003 - and they continue to operate a Bell 206L1 LongRanger II and a Bell 407 alongside two small Cessna fixed-wings.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... st2024.pdf
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Issue 341 September 2024
CALIFORNIA: In 2023 the City of Modesto Police Department, covering an area east of San Francisco acquired a 2012 GippsAero GA8-TC-320 Airvan from CNC. The Airvan was previously operating with the
Pennsylvania State Police. Reregistered, and now operating with the Air Unit’s as Sky 1 the aircraft has made a huge impact in 2024! With 1,807 calls for service so far this year, Sky1 has proven to be a critical asset. First on scene 1,259 times, it has helped with 94 felony arrests for Modesto and other agencies.
CALIFORNIA: CNC Technologies has been selected by the Pasadena Police Department to upgrade the searchlights on three of their agency
helicopters. The fleet includes a mix of Bell OH-58 Kiowa and an MD500E, these are currently fitted with the venerable Spectrolab SX-16.
The project calls for delivery and installation of the new TrakkaBeam TL360. The Trakka delivers brighter and more consistent illumination while reducing power consumption as compared to older generation systems. This upgrade will improve visibility, safety and operational efficiency for the police department’s aviation unit.
The TrakkaBeam® TL-360 LED/LEP hybrid searchlight is marketed as a game-changer, providing operators with 360° illumination while using just 1/3 of the power compared to similar systems. Ideal for platforms that value both capabilities and lightweight design. Featuring a lightweight and compact single LRU configuration, the TL360 provides simplified installation and integration, eliminating the need for power conditioning or external interface units. Its inertial stabilization enhances performance during aircraft maneuvers, reducing external vibrations.
Its appearance differs greatly from that of the earlier Trakka searchlight.
The TL-360, suitable for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, light aircraft, and manned or unmanned platforms. With solid-state components, it offers robustness and is highly expandable and upgradeable.
CALIFORNIA: Bell Textron Inc., announced at APSCON 2024 that the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has signed a purchase agreement for a SUBARU Bell 412EPX to advance its firefighting and rescue operations.
The SUBARU Bell 412EPX combines what many public safety units are looking for – high-altitude power, increased weight capabilities, and a spacious interior. The platform continues to be highly sought-after in the field, especially for those tasked with combating wildfire outbreaks.”
On average, San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Air Operations Unit responds to over 400 emergencies every year, including wildfire and high-rise fire incidents. With the addition of the SUBARU Bell 412EPX, the Air Operations Unit expects to significantly increase its emergency response capabilities in San Diego and the surrounding areas.
San Diego Fire-Rescue has had a 20-year relationship with Bell Textron, and they have been great business partner throughout. Adding the SUBARU Bell 412EPX to our fleet is a significant step forward in enhancing our firefighting and rescue operations.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... r2024a.pdf
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Issue 342 October 2024
CALIFORNIA: In the central valley of the state Fresno Police operate two EC120 Colibri helicopters that fly around 1,200 hours each year and respond to some 2,400 incidents. With the type now being out of production maintenance costs are rising and a replacement is being authorised.
The choice of the police department is a $7M Airbus Helicopter H125 and the acquisition has just been approved by the Fresno City Council. They ae going for a 10-year lease-purchase agreement with Banc of America Public Capital Corporation to finance the move.
The city is splitting its purchase in order to save more $850,000. They are buying a base helicopter from Airbus and is contracting with Hanger One Avionics to purchase and install the police role fit. That brings the cost down by $861,745 from what it would have been if the city bought the entire package from Airbus.
A basic H125 currently costs $4.7M and the selected role equipment adds an additional $2.26M. Fresno is paying a downpayment of $1.3M for the helicopter and estimated annual payments of $600,000.
Three pilots will collect the H125 from Airbus’ Columbus, Mississippi and fly it to Hangar One Avionics, in Carlsbad, California over three to four days. The work there is expected to see the completed airframe being available for entry into service in Fresno early next year.
The first of the two EC120 Colibri helicopters was purchased in 2003. It has accrued over 14,700 flight hours on it and is scheduled for its next major maintenance in 2027. That is predicted to cost $300,000, if no major problems are found.
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CALIFORNIA: Mercy Air ambulance and medical provider partners, including Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego (RCHSD) and UC San Diego (UCSD) Health System, hosted the annual Southern California Emergency Care Conference on September 14 in San Diego. The conference is unique to Southern California as it brings together physicians, registered nurses, paramedics, first responders, and other critical care specialties in the prehospital, interhospital (transport), and hospital settings.
This year’s hands-on learning labs focused on wilderness emergency medicine, led by UCSD, and neonatal resuscitation, led RCHSD. The pre-conference human cadaver lab, led by UCSD and Mercy Air, also helped make the event unique.
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CALIFORNIA: The Kern County Board of Supervisors minutes of September 24 state that funds are being brought together or a presumed helicopter purchase in the near future.
The detail is unclear but it would appear that funds are being moved around to allow for the purchase of a fire helicopter expected to cost up to $9M.
The transactions include moving $3.5M from the fire fund to aid meeting the eventual cost of the unspecified helicopter to be delivered in an unspecified timescale. It was also noted that $5.5M in Measure K funding (a one-cent sales tax on retail sales) was approved in the county's 2024-25 budget for the purchase of a type two helicopter with an estimated value of $9M. The county currently has two 1967 UH-1H "Huey" helicopters, N407KC and N408KC, both of which are nearing the end of their useful life.
Of more general interest, at the same meeting supervisors approved a request from the Sheriff's Office to agree to participate in the filming of the television series "COPS" which will be aired on Fox Nation streaming service.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... 24PANb.pdf
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Issue 343 November 2024
CALIFORNIA: In the wake of the ten years upgrade the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s primary helicopter, Bell 407GXP N407SH has returned to full service. The 407 was back with the unit in late June and declared fully operational some weeks later.
Following the retrofit the 407 completion at Hangar One Avionics, based in Carlsbad, California, has installed a L3 Harris MX10 on Airfilm Camera Systems camera mount, the Shotover Augmented Reality System, Macro-Blue monitors, Technissonic Communications TDFM radio and remote, Jupiter Avionics radio and Bluetooth adapter, Alpine Aerotech drop cords, AEM Audio and PA system, Onboard Systems cargo hooks, and a selection of Luminator Aerospace lights including a searchlight, taxi and landing lights, and custom lights that illuminate straight down for cargo missions, they were fabricated by Hangar One. Several other modifications were put together by Hangar One mounts for the monitors, passenger centre console for avionics and external wiring harnesses.
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CALIFORNIA: Air Methods suffered a vandalism attack on their "Mercy Air 44" helicopter at Hesperia Airport in California. Their Bell 407, registered N160AM, had been covered in graffiti on both sides and was discovered at 5.20am on the morning of October 27. The airport does not have night time security. The matter is being looked into by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Sadly, not a unique experience in world terms, but it is going to be a very expensive remedial.
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CALIFORNIA: In the September edition of PAN, we reported that the City of San Diego are to acquire a Subaru Bell 412EPX for their Fire Department fleet.
We can confirm that this aircraft has now been transferred from the production line in Mirabel, Canada to the US for the installation of its role equipment. This process usually takes 9-12 months, so we estimate customer delivery in summer 2025.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... er2024.pdf
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Issue 344 December 2024
CALIFORNIA: For the past few years the City of Chino (CA) has been studying the feasibility of starting their own air support unit. Chino currently relies on air support from the Ontario Police Department or the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office. Unfortunately, Chino and surrounding jurisdictions have had steady increases in serious crimes. In turn, requests for air support from patrol officers has increased. Chino noticed that there were often delays in air support response because the supporting air units were tied up on calls in their home jurisdictions.
After researching their needs, the Chino Police began implementing their plan in 2023 into 2024. Requests for proposals were submitted to industry for a patrol helicopter, equipment, and completion services. This was followed by requests for bids. Based on available documentation Chino has selected the Bell 505 to serve as their patrol helicopter. In a related project, the City of Chino plans to build a brandnew police substation at the Chino Airport. This new complex will include a hangar and office space for the new air support unit. The next step is for the funding to be approved. On November 19, 2024, the Chino Police and Finance Departments were presented the purchase $3.7M plan to the City Council for approval. It was agreed.
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CALIFORNIA: The Tehama County Sheriff's Office in Red Bluff, CA plans to put their SAR configured Bell UH-1H (N911NN) into service this month. Over a year in the making, the SAR helicopter program took delivery of the surplus Huey several months back thanks to the 1033 Program. The aircraft had formerly served with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. Jefferson Parish dropped the Huey after it was replaced in service by a used Bell 429.
Over the past months the Huey has undergone extensive maintenance and modification. It has been equipped with a brand new FLIR Systems camera. The camera was donated to Tehama County at no cost other than shipping. Interestingly, one source reported that it was donated by a Netherlands based police agency while another source reported it was donated by Teledyne FLIR. The aircraft will be based at Red Bluff Municipal Airport
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... er2024.pdf
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2025:
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Issue 345 January 2025
CALIFORNIA: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept, San Bernardino, have changed the registration of Bell 412EPX c/n 39116 from N329SB to N306SB.
San Barnardino have been swapping their registrations round, and the current fleet ends up as N305SB to N309SB inclusive.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ry2025.pdf
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Issue 346 February 2025
CALIFORNIA: - San Diego Police have taken delivery of the first of three Airbus H125s they ordered N882SD, c/n 9553 - arriving at Montgomery Field in San Diego on 18th November.
The other pair, N883SD and N884SD are currently in completion
Riverside County Sheriff has taken delivery of an Airbus H125 - N996RS c/n 9569 - arriving at Hemet/Ryan Airport on December 9.
California - Kern County Fire Dept has taken delivery of a Bell 412EPX - N409KC c/n 39128 - arriving at their base at Tehachapi Municipal Airport on December 14. Late last month they placed a request for another new fire helicopter before the Board of Supervisors.
The request was for one additional Type 1 helicopter to enhance the department’s operational readiness to combat wildfires at a price of $12.5M, maintaining the fleet at three. The Board approved the purchase of a new Type 2 helicopter to replace one of the Bell UH-1H Huey’s in service in February 2023, these can deliver 300 gallons of water in a drop. The Type 1 (presumably the 412EPX) can deliver 1,000 gallons of water in each mission.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ry2025.pdf
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Issue 347 March 2025
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ch2025.pdf
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Issue 348 April 2025
CALIFORNIA: The Los Angeles Police Department is to use the Loft Dynamics Virtual Reality system to train its pilots.
LAPD Air Support Division, the largest municipal airborne unit in the United States, has become the first U.S. law enforcement agency to use virtual reality (VR) for pilot training. The department has installed a state-of-the-art VR flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics—the global leader in flight simulation technology and the only one to be qualified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
LAPD will use Loft Dynamics’ simulator to enhance the safety, efficiency, realism, and accessibility of its training, enabling the crew to practice under highly realistic conditions and prepare for every scenario they may encounter.
“It has been extremely difficult to incorporate mission-based scenarios into our training program with the realism and frequency necessary for the training to be effective,” said Kevin Gallagher, Chief Pilot for LAPD. “The acquisition of the Loft Dynamics VR simulator and our partnership with their software engineers has solved that problem.
The realism of the full-motion platform, combined with the ability to custom-build highly specific police scenarios, is revolutionizing the way we train—whether it’s inadvertent IIMC entry, low-altitude chases, or night vision operations. This technology ensures that in critical moments, our pilots are prepared to execute with precision and confidence—because in aviation, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training."
LAPD’s Loft Dynamics VR simulator, featuring a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit of the Airbus Helicopters H125, will be used by the department’s 50 pilots for regular training at its heliport. LAPD is implementing a structured, VR-centric training curriculum designed by Gallagher. As part of the new curriculum, LAPD is collaborating with Loft Dynamics to develop customized scenarios tailored to the unique demands of law enforcement operations. These include high-speed car chase simulations, with adjustable parameters such as suspect vehicle speed and path, and scenarios that integrate the use of the Tyler Special Operations Platform within the virtual cabin.
The department is also embracing Loft Dynamics’ newly released VR demonstration platform, LofTWIN, to expand training capabilities. LofTWIN allows chief pilots and operators to capture and share their scenario-and manoeuvre-based lessons in VR.
For LAPD, Gallagher has created VR lessons on critical procedures, covering everything from aerial chases to emergency landings. In these virtual training sessions, the LAPD pilot sits beside Gallagher’s fullbody avatar in the simulated cockpit, experiencing force feed back from controls, and listening to his verbal instruction. In turn, LAPD pilots gain round-the-clock access to a consistent precise and fully immersive training experience. Performance tracking features enable pilots to measure and benchmark their progress against Gallagher’s expertise and objectives, following evidence-based training best practices
CALIFORNIA: On March 24 multiple social media sources reported the whole of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) air operation had been grounded. One source suggested that no flights were able to self-launch and that each mission had to have specific permission to fly.
In turn CHP denied claims that its air operations were grounded. They cited multiple verifiable flights as taking place and suggested that concerns likely stemmed from recent changes to the organizational structure.
Editor: It is early days yet but it seems that the management are taking a firm grip on the operation in not allowing the individual base to self launch. All calls must be filtered by senior ranks. This injects some fairly major inefficiencies into the system and will undoubtedly put those who might be served in greater danger through adding delays. It all looks similar to the type of over regulated operation being run in the Middle East, China and India and there are some aspects that fit well with the ‘mega-control’ attitude that now prevails in the UK NPAS.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... il2025.pdf
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Issue 349 May 2025
CALIFORNIA: The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved Sheriff Chad Bianco's plans to turn an aircraft hangar at March Air Reserve Base [MARB] into a permanent place of operation for the sheriff's department.
Bianco's request will allocate $655,255, all drawn from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's fiscal year budget, to architectural, design and engineering services provided by C&S Engineers Inc., a San Diego-based firm.
The facility will be enough to house three aircraft and will sit on the southeast end of the airfield close to the Million Air Hanger on Hancock Street. The department currently operates from Jacquelin Cochran Airport in Thermal and Hemet-Ryan Airport.
The MARB Joint Powers Authority property has been identified as the most strategic location, as it is the closest airport to central Riverside, the sheriff's office headquarters, and it is vital for quick responses to critical calls.
Current designs call for 20 workstations, 10 offices, a gym, a break room, outdoor fuel tanks, restrooms, locker rooms, a parking lot and security fencing surrounding the property.
CALIFORNIA: CNC Technologies, an aviation technology and wireless communications company serving the law enforcement, government and military markets, will deliver three further fully mission-ready Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Under the recently signed agreement, CNC Technologies will procure the aircraft, design the comprehensive mission suite package, and manage the complete integration process. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced surveillance and mapping technology, including the Wescam MX15 and SHOTOVER Mapping Systems.
This sophisticated mission equipment and training will enhance CHP's aerial law enforcement capabilities across California. The recent procurement brings the total to four Cessna Caravans purchased by CHP from CNC Technologies, further expanding the agency's aerial surveillance coverage and operational capabilities. The first aircraft was delivered last year, with these three new aircraft continuing the partnership.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... 025PAN.pdf
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Issue 350 June 2025
CALIFORNIA: The Orange County Sheriff’s Office have announced they are to but an Airbus Helicopters H145. It is speculated that this will be taking on the role of primary SAR from the existing Bell Huey helicopters currently in service.
In Tehama County Sheriffs Office, in Red Bluff they announced that they had acquired a Bell Huey to support their operations in September 2023.
Located in Northern California approximately 120 miles north of Sacramento, Tehama County encompasses 3,300 square miles and has permanent residents and countless thousands of tourists and visitors who enjoy hunting, fishing, and vacationing in the vast wilderness areas throughout the county; and who come to Tehama County to view or participate in one of several National Championship sporting events. In Back in 2023 they acquired Bell UH-1H N911NN from Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office in Louisiana for use in search and rescue. At the time it was reported that the Huey was acquired at no cost but they had no pre-existing unit, no pilot, no TFOs and potentially no idea what to do next.
They have now overcome their difficulties and have the aircraft lying in support of the citizens and law enforcers, fitted the EO/IR and are now declaring themselves available.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ne2025.pdf
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Issue 351 July 2025
CALIFORNIA: San Diego Police were due to receive the last of their order for three H125s - N884SD – last month. It is known to have overnighted at Las Cruces, New Mexico on its ferry flight in mid-month.
It is possible that it will go briefly to Hangar One Avionics (in San Diego) for some additional completion work, but it's been test flying with Airbus
The previous pair were delivered in December 2024 (N882SD) and February 2025 (N883SD).
The City of Burbank have changed the registration on a 1990 Aerospatiale AS350B1 AStar/Ecureuil c/n 1930 from N26CE to N275BP.
The earlier registration referred to its past celebrity owner, the actor Clint Eastwood, who sold transferred it from his company Malpaso Productions in March 2024 after owning it for 30 years.
The City of Burbank police have operated MD520N Notar helicopters out of Burbank for over thirty years so the reason for the acquisition of the early AS350 remains a mystery at the moment.
CALIFORNIA: The Department of Forestry received their latest Sikorsky Firehawk N453DF ‘615’ on June 18. The delivery of two others followed close behind as the fire season draws closer.
In the final days of June N452DF was on delivery and it is expected that N454DF, currently in completion will appear soon.
The City of San Diego Fire Rescue Department has meanwhile taken delivery of a Bell 412EPX (c/n 39132)
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... ly2025.pdf
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Issue 352 August 2025
CALIFORNIA: Riverside Police have finally sold their remaining MD500E N811RP to New Zealand.
The Department have transitioned from the MD product to the Airbus H125 in recent years, after operating various models of the MD for nearly 50 years.
San Diego Police have sold N710SD AS350B3+ (4067) to Australia
CALIFORNIA: Avionics manufacturer, Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. (AEM), is proud to support the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) with its continued evaluation of the MTP136D P25 aerial firefighting radio for its aircraft fleet.
CAL FIRE has already purchased more than 60 MTP136D radios, and AEM is working closely to support their evaluation.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... t2025x.pdf
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Issue 353 September 2025
CALIFORNIA: Last month the California Highway Patrol sold AS350B3 N314HP c/n 3379 to Silver Hawk Aviation in Sarasota Florida, and since then it has been cancelled to Canada. CHP have owned it from new in around 2001, so it was due its second 12 year overhaul. The AStar was among the first batch of the Eurocopter/Airbus type to be bought when the CHP moved from operating Bell 206s.
Reports suggest that it has flown little in the last year and a couple of test flights only since early May.
On July 12 it was flown to Reno (Nevada) but had not progressed further to Florida or Canada at the time of writing.
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CALIFORNIA: In stark contrast to the Trump administration’s cuts to public safety and emergency response, California continues to ramp up its firefighting arsenal: the state now has the largest civilian helicopter firefighting fleet in the world.
A far from popular Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a monumental achievement in CAL FIRE’s ongoing commitment to protecting California, as the final two of sixteen Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters arrived at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento. This arrival completes a multi-year transition that significantly upgrades the department’s aerial firefighting capabilities. This year also marks the full conversion of all ten CAL FIRE Helitack bases from the Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters to the state-of-the-art Fire Hawk. It’s a full circle moment on an effort that the Governor initiated at the beginning of his first term.
This modernisation effort, which began with the first base receiving a Fire Hawk in 2020, represents a substantial statewide initiative and a long-term investment in the safety and protection of California’s communities, property, and natural landscapes.
This comes amid the Trump administration’s cuts to the US Forest Service, which threatens the safety of citizens throughout California. The U.S. Forest Service has lost 10% of all positions and 25% of positions outside of direct wildfire response – both of which are likely to impact wildfire response this year.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... er2025.pdf
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Issue 354 October 2025
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... er2025.pdf
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Issue 355 November 2025
CALIFORNIA: The County of Los Angeles Fire Department has signed a contract with Sikorsky for two S-70i FIREHAWK aircraft.
The LAFD has been using FIREHAWK helicopters since the early 2000s to fight wildfires, conduct medical evacuations, search and rescue, and disaster relief missions.
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Acrob ... er2025.pdf
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