APSCON SHOW EDITION
JULY 2018
INDIANA
STATE POLICE BACK IN BLUE
ROTORTECH AUSTRALIA
DOWNUNDER SHOW CONTINUES GROWTH
ECHO HOSTS
TACTICAL FLIGHT CREW March ACADEMY 2018 collective | 1
2 | Collective July 2018
COLLECTIVE
COVER STORY
INDIANA STATE POLICE The Indiana State Police Aviation Section returns to prosperity from the brink with new assets and a new plan.
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ROTORTECH AUSTRALIA
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ECHO TACTICAL FLIGHT ACADEMY
The Australian rotorcraft industry puts on a successfull event to showcase the best in aviation downunder.
ECHO continues its drive nationally, hosting a tacctical fligth academy in Orlando, Florida.
F E AT U R E S
Editors Notes
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Helipix 12 Helinews
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July 2018 Collective | 3
JULY 2018 P.O. Box 3143 Alpharetta, GA 30023 PHONE: 844.435-4932 FAX: 904-623-4354 EMAIL: info@collectivemag.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF: Ryan Mason | ryan@collectivemag.com
DEPUTY EDITOR: Jason Jorgensen | jason@Collectivemag.com
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Sara Hunter | sara@collectivemag.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPERS: Tim Pruitt Damon Duran Scott Dworkin Mark Watterson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Ben Fouts | ben@collectivemag.com Brian Parsons | brian@collectivemag.com
The Indiana State Police feature as the cover story on page 48 with this new addition to the fleet, a Bell 407GXP
GRAPHIC DESIGN & ART DIRECTION: Troy Dominy Troodon Design Co. | troy@troodon.us PUBLISHED BY: Airborne Productions
All material published remains the copyright of COLLECTIVE. No part of this publication may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the written consent of the publisher. Editorials published do not necessarily reflect the views
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March 2018 collective | 5
Editor Ryan Mason
If you have seen as many flight operations around the world as I have, one common theme on walls, in break rooms and in pilot lounges is safety posters. They warn of the dangers of fatigue, flying while on medication, flying into IMC and a plethora of other things, but I am still yet to see one on doing the right thing and making the right choices. Be it a case of complacent behavior, laziness or lack of following established rules and regulations either internally through your company rules and policies or established FAA safety practices. It could even be as simple as obeying advisories sent out by a manufacturer in an effort to make pilots aware of certain manuevers or flying that may have adverse or dire consequences. The unfortunate thing in our business, is that complacency, willingness to flout rules established to keep you safe can kill you for a single wromng decision made. Helicopters are about as unforgiving as you can get when it comes to mistakes. The fact of the matter still remains that in our industry that procedures are put in place to protect pilots and passengers. Few stop to take a moment and think why specific rules, procedures, AD’s, etc. are put in place, but like only a few other dangerous occupations, in our business, rules made after the fact. Usually as a result of someone losing their life. Take for example the March FlyNYON accident in which five passengers died that I spoke about in a previous column. That accident and subsequent high profile loss of life resulted in one of the fastest emergency rulemakings I have ever seen the FAA put out on the helicopter side. The dangers of complacency, ignorance of rules and procedures or even disregarding safety practices in favor of tribal knowledge, instead of paying attention to established policies and procedures or just plain doing the right thing for no other reason than it being the right thing to do costs lives. 6 | Collective July 2018
In the last month, the final report on an accident involving an air medical helicopter that crashed after leaving a scene call was released. It showed the pilot and even people on the ground he was conversing with as he sat waiting for the patient to be loaded, were making jokes about the poor weather he had just landed in, and making joking references about his superior skill level and other macho type bravado. Now, I am all for a bit of fun, and everyone knows I love a joke, but I am the first one that will point out if something isn’t right. There appears to be a double standard in this industry of what you say, versus what you actually do. If you are “all for safety” in a public forum, but people see you hot dogging in an aircraft for no other reason than “because you could.” That kind of thinking is about as useful as a football bat in keeping you and others with you alive. There are several air medical operators I can think of off the top of my head that have mentioned the “three say go, one says no” type of policy that many companies state is their rule of thumb regarding taking a flight. Yet each year, we still lose air crews to the same thing. The reports come out and time after time, we see references made by the NTSB that speak of poor decision making or “pressonitis” or whatever the reason is that creates the internal pressure to need to keep going instead of staying on the ground and not getting into a situation you can’t get yourself out of. It makes me think that as an industry, either we have a serious problem with double standards, say what we don’t actually do, or are merely box checkinng automotons that can’t think for ourselves in the cockpit. Do I think that is true of every pilot, absoloutely not. Not even in the majority of pilots. But there has to be something that causes people to make the same
Editorial Team Ryan Mason
Publisher & CEO
mistakes over and over that continue to cost lives, despite all of the money, time and man hours that have gone into educating and training the industry to prevent pilots frtom making the mistake of taking these flights in conditions like the one I mentioned. The NTSB also noted that the aircraft was airborne for less than 90 seconds...that astounds me, and other pilots that I have discussed this with on many levels. If it was bad enough to get into an unrecoverable position within a minute and a half, there were other signs well before that, including a 300 foot ceiling as reported by witnesses on the ground.
Always having an affinity for writing and later photography and videography, Ryan started out as a photographer and writer for several aviation magazines before having the opportunity to take over Collective Magazine and produce the type of content that readers want to see every month.
Jason Jorgensen Deputy Editor
A US Navy veteran, Jason is now a wellestablished aviation photographer and journalist. Based in the Los Angeles area, he specializes in business aviation, military aviation, emerging technologies, and investigative journalism, Jason also serves as our Los Angeles Bureau Chief.
Sara Hunter
Online Content Editor
I see some on the internet say things like “you shouldn’t talk about a pilot that can’t speak for themselves.” Well, sure, but how does it help the industry if we don’t talk about how we don’t repeat the same mistakes?
I will leave you with a quote that I believe perfectly sums up my thoughts on where we are, and what we need to do to get to where we need to be. “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.We must always look forward, but we have to understand our history in order to not repeat the mistakes of the past. I have seen too many instances where people continue to pursue wrong courses of action because they do not take the time to think critically about what has happened in the past. Ryan Mason Publisher & CEO
Tim Pruitt
Social Media Manager An aviation writer and photographer for many years with multiple publications. He also serves in the Texas State Guard and is pursuing a private pilot rating while working a full-time job and traveling for the magazine throughout the year.
ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS
While there is no perfect solution to this problem, I do think that there is an underlying issue beyond what I have mentioned within this column. It could even be a mix of several issues that need more than catch phrases, checklists and wall posters to fix it. We have to change the way people think and somehow prevent those single decisions that begin the error chain that results in loss of our friends.
A writer and professional photographer for over a decade, Sara specializes in photography that captures the human element. She recently received national recognition for her work in producing a yearly calendar that showcases the real life of those in law enforcement.
Dan Foulds Writer
Dan Foulds retired from flying in 2015 after a 30-year career in flying in military & civilian aviation. Dan now runs HelicopterEMS.com and spends his time dedicated to helping improve air medical crew safety and single pilot operations.
Matt Johnson Writer
Helicopter FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, conducting Private through ATP level exams in numerous types. His experience spans; Air Medical, Law Enforcement, Flight Instruction and ENG Flying. A 3 time Master Instructor, FAA Gold Seal Instructor, USHST Rep Human Factors Group and FAASTeam Rep Greater Cincinnati Ohio region.
Scott Dworkin
Writer & Photographer Starting his aviation photography career almost a decade ago, he has been published in both national and international aviation publications featuring his work with both jets and rotary aviation.
July 2018 Collective | 7
Guest Column Steve Sparks, USHST
Don’t Get Cold Feet
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reiciatum ium volorro eossequi repeliscid utenis ipsum ilisquo ex esequatem nobitatem nonsequunt facestiscide vid explab ipsum a et estrum restio. Oste dolupta tiusciderum ea volor ant. Est, quae exerspe ribus, tecaborem quae des enimet velest, sum nonsequiae esti de dus, sum ditas est experum aut repudissunt ide nihilla boribusdae. Ratem quos nos si doloresti aut il ime expliae nobis maio occum aliquis eicianimet eum ex erum quo quis ut ipis ilition nes iligniandam fugia alit pellant iaercitas apitionserro corion con re, occumet omnis cuptibus dolorit est odit, simi, qui con conest magnimil inullam quatiae ritaeptas aut quossequi aut quamus ersperiti opti volorerumet dolore esti ut rerum quundae volum fuga. Nempe dollaccum estia duciendae simusam in es mi, volut voluptur audae. Nam fuga. Num eatur si volessent ipictus quiasi dolorep eliqui aut maximin verovidellum et minctot aquatum qui doloriassi doluptatum am quae sit autemquae. Et fugitat ibeatem voluptatatem rectiissita dolo blam rerem verio. Urem repel ento mossed que dolupta commolu ptasim sin nem lam aut qui omnimus. Nonem quas ma dolent liti ad magnit a voluptus, adigenit qui reperec tempore quiaturis molorrum est eic to moluptae videlenistem fugit, ommolor ehenis et arum quiae sequi susaestium vent, vendus dolorrum re, totatatat volupiciasi dolor aut aut doluptatat. a Robinson dealer RatiLocate officit hitatus evendunte www.robinsonheli.com pratibus il ipsam imus explignatur? Ad et anturibusda atist reheniet ullesequi nisci consed ullore pligen
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10 | Collective July 2018
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June 2018 Collective | 11
Lee County Sheriff’s Airbus AStar H125 B3e in Lee County, FL. Photographer: Brandon Averill
Lightning striking in the distance while sunset lights up these AS 350 B2s. in Brazil Photographer: Ricardo SĂĄ.
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#helipix L.A. County Fire Bell 412s and Sikorsky S70 Firehawks battle to control the Wildwood Fire in Burbank, CA Photographer: Greg Doyle
A UH-60 from the Washington State Air National Guard at sunrise. Photographer: Becky Stankus
May 2018 Collective collective | 13 July 2018
Lake Helen is one of the pilot’s favorite landing areas near Mt. Lassen in California. Photographer: Doug Hatcher.
Cal fire Copter 101 from the Mendocino unit at sunrise. Photographer: Forestry Fire Pilot Anderson, @norcalhappy1
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#helipix
A Mk3 Merlin conducts exercises in the mountains of Norway. Photographer: Simon Pryor.
A Norwegian NH90 being put through its paces. Photographer: Jeroen Van Veenendaal.
May 2018 Collective collective | 15 July 2018
From the West Valley Fire in the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness, Southwest Utah. Photographer: Jonathan McNally.
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#helipix A Connecticut National Guard Blackhawk spying another slinging a 105mmHowitzer . Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Edward Dettore.
May 2018 Collective collective | 17 July 2018
A Robinson R66 Turbine Marine under the rainbow in Eastern Finland. Photographer: Mikko Nevalainen.
A Bell 206 Longranger from HeliNord taken during a flight in Tosenfjorden, Norway Photographer: Simon Segerros
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#helipix An EC130 T2 operated by Helinet Aviation divng through the sunset over Santa Monica, CA. Photographer: Jason Jorgensen.
May July 2018 2018 Collective collective | 19
Taken on mission in Logar Province, Afghanistan we constantly had to monitor weather conditions during the early spring. Weather cells would rapidly form over the mountain ranges resulting in quite spectacular views such as this one before sunset. Photographer: Bobby Triantos
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#helipix May 2018 Collective collective | 21 July 2018
Helinews
Hong Kong’s GFS Recieves First H175s in Public Services Configuration
A irb u s H e licopte rs’ H 1 7 5s ope ra te d b y H on g Kon g’s G F S . P h o t o : E r i c Ra z .
Hong Kong based Government Flying Service (GFS) has received three H175s in public services configuration, becoming the world’s first operator of this new variant which enlarges the H175 mission capacity to search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services, law enforcement, firefighting as well as land and maritime border control operations. In 2015, GFS became the launch customer of the H175 in public services version with an order for seven helicopters. The four remaining helicopters will be delivered before the end of the year. “The Government Flying Service has been very involved in the development of this new H175 version and it is a great honor to be here today to receive the first three aircraft”, said Michael Chan, Controller Head of GFS. “Thanks to the H175’s speed, advanced technology and versatility we will not only be able to strengthen 22 | Collective July 2018
our response capability but also be able to intervene in the most complex situations and in a large variety of scenarios.” GFS’s new H175 will progressively replace their current fleet of AS332 L2 and H155, which currently provide 24hour emergency support services from their base at Chek Lap Kok Airport. “I am grateful to GFS for their constant support and I am committed to ensuring that the H175 will fulfil their most demanding operations” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “We are very honoured to have the confidence of a world-renowned public service and SAR operator and longstanding customer to introduce this latest version of the H175 into service. With 23 aircraft currently in on worldwide, the H175 keeps delivering on its promises in terms of performance, range and cabin comfort for oil & gas, private and public services customers”.
The public service version of the H175 benefits from more than twenty cabin configurations which can be easily re-configured based on mission requirements. The great versatility of the aircraft is backed by approximately seventy different types of optional equipment which include an electro-optical system for observation and tracking and a digital map display, both of being managed by an operator’s console installed in the cabin. Mission equipment also includes a dual hoist, a search light, an infrared camera, as well as a radioactivity detector, which is a GFS-specific equipment. The H175 benefits from the latest developments of Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, which bolsters the helicopter’s search and rescue capabilities with advanced SAR modes, allowing for instance the aircraft to hover automatically above moving vessels.
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July 2018 Collective | 23
Helinews
Airbus Helicopters Delivers Two of Six H145s to Rega
Reg a’s two new A irb u s H 1 45s.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first two of a total of six H145 helicopters t o S w i s s A i r - Re s c u e Re g a . T h e s e w i l l r e p l a c e Re g a ’s ex i s t i n g f l e e t o f E C 1 4 5 helicopters, which will be p h a s e d o u t b y m i d - 2 0 1 9.
Pho t o : C hr is t o phe Ke lle r.
The first H145 helicopter is ex p e c t e d t o b e d e p l o y e d a t t h e B e r n b a s e i n O c t o b e r. Over a period of 15 years, the six EC145s have proven themselves to be reliable and versatile rescue helicopters,
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providing airborne medical a s s i s t a n c e t o a r o u n d 6 0, 0 0 0 patients to date. Thanks in part to these positive ex p e r i e n c e s ; Re g a i s n o w opting for the H145, the successor to the EC145. “The H145 represents a continuation of our success story and ensures that we can continue to provide our patients with reliable and professional help in the years t o c o m e ,” s a i d E r n s t Ko h l e r, C E O o f Re g a . “ We a r e p r o u d t h a t s u c h a n internationally renowned o p e r a t o r a s Re g a h a s p l a c e d its trust in our H145 family over such a long period of t i m e ,” s a i d Wo l f g a n g S c h o d e r, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland. T h e H 1 4 5 i s t h e m a r ke t leader for police and rescue missions with a combined fleet of over 200 helicopters worldwide, which have jointly accumulated more than 1 0 0, 0 0 0 f l i g h t h o u r s . T h e agile H145 is particularly well suited for special intensive care transports thanks to its spacious cabin and a m a x i m u m t a ke - o f f w e i g h t o f 3 .7 t o n s . T h e h e l i c o p t e r s are equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, providing user-friendly flight data management and a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low a c o u s t i c f o o t p r i n t m a ke s t h e H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
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Final H135 Delivered to Germany’s Bundeswehr
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The German Bundeswehr’s final H135. Photo: Christian Keller.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the fifth and final H135 that will be used by the German Armed Forces in B ü c ke b u r g t o t r a i n t h e i r p i l o t s . The German Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y a n d I n Service Support (BAAINBw) is leasing these helicopters – all delivered on time by Airbus – for initial and recurrent pilot training. These five H135s join 14 others f r o m t h e H 1 3 5 f a m i l y, w h i c h have been in service for training a t t h e B u n d e s w e h r s i n c e 2 0 0 0, where they have accumulated m o r e t h a n 1 0 0, 0 0 0 f l i g h t h o u r s . The lightweight twin-engine H135 is used by military forces worldwide to train their personnel. Among others, armed forces from Great B r i t a i n , S w i t z e r l a n d , Po r t u g a l a n d Au s t r a l i a p u t t h e i r t r u s t in the H135 family for this mission. In total, more than 1,300 helicopters from the H135 family have been delivered to customers worldwide, clocking up more than 4.5 million flight hours. In addition to training, the H135 performs a wide range of missions including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), law enforcement, corporate transport and maintenance of offshore wind farms. July 2018 Collective | 25
Helinews Bell Boeing Begins CMV-22B Production Work
the U.S. arsenal,” said Chris Gehler, Bell Vice President for the V-22 Program. “This multiyear production contract provides program production stability through at least 2024.” The U.S. Navy will use its new CMV22B variant begins modernization of U.S. Navy carrier onboard delivery fleet, for transporting personnel and cargo from shore to aircraft carriers, eventually replacing the C-2 Greyhound, which has been in service since the mid-1960s.
A Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey. Photo: Jason Jorgensen.
Bell Boeing Joint Program Office in Amarillo, Texas, was awarded $4,191,533,822 to convert the previously awarded V-22 tiltrotor aircraft advance acquisition contract to a fixed-price-incentive-fee multiyear contract. This contract provides for the manufacture and delivery for a total
of 58 tiltrotors: 39 CMV-22B aircraft for the Navy, 14 MV-22B aircraft for the Marine Corps, one CV-22B for the Air Force, and four MV-22B aircraft for the government of Japan. “Bell Boeing is pleased to extend production of the V-22, supporting our warfighters with one of the most versatile and in-demand platforms in
“By combining aircraft for three services and a key U.S. Ally into one multiyear order, the U.S. Navy gets more capability for its procurement dollar,” said Kristin Houston, Vice President, Boeing Tiltrotor Programs and Director, Bell Boeing V-22 Program. “It also enables the U.S. Navy to begin advancing its carrier onboard delivery fleet with modern tiltrotor aircraft. It’s a true win-win.”
Metro Aviation Delivers H145 to Avera Careflight aircraft have been impressed by the workmanship.” This is Avera’s first H145 and first aircraft in their fleet to be equipped with Oute rlink’s IRIS system for satellite tracking, push-to-talk radio, flight data monitoring and voice and video recording.
Avera Careflight H145. Photo: Metro Aviation.
Metro Aviation recently completed a 2017 H145 for Avera Careflight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This is the second aircraft Metro has completed for the program at its completion center in Shreveport, Louisiana. 26 | Collective July 2018
“Metro has been a partner of ours for several years,” said Jeff Musilek, Director of Maintenance for Careflight at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls. “We received our first aircraft from Metro in 2008. People who see our
By the end of the year, Avera will have one more refurbishment completed by Metro to bring their Sioux Falls-based fleet to two EC145 C2s, one H145 and two Pilatus PC-12 fixed wing aircraft. Avera Careflight provides transport in the areas surrounding their bases in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Pierre, S.D., as well as throughout the Upper Midwest.
AW169 Enters Swiss VIP Transport Market with First Order
Leonardo AW169 departing HAI Heli Expo 2018.
Leonardo has announced that Mountain Flyers of Switzerland will operate an AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter, marking the entry of the new generation type into the Swiss VIP market. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held at EBACE 2018 in Geneva. This specially-configured aircraft, featuring an exclusive 7 seat VIP transport layout, will be used for heli-taxi services from Bern Airport. With this AW169, Mountain Flyers will be able to serve several routes across Switzerland and Europe with even greater capacity and range following earlier operations carried out with their GrandNew helicopter, which had established Bern Airport’s
first twin engine helicopter VIP transport service. Mountain Flyers’ customers will benefit from best-in-class comfort, performance and technology as well as outstanding safety standards. Christoph Graf, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Flyers, said “We’re thrilled to introduce the most modern helicopter in its category into service to deliver an unprecedented flight experience to our customer base. The AW169 is the perfect fit into our service quality strategy and fully meets the most
Photo: Jason Jorgensen.
demanding expectations in terms of navigation, comfort and safety for the task.”
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July 2018 Collective | 27
Helinews Hungarian MOD Places Orders for 20 H145M HForce Helis
Hungarian fleet also will be equipped with a fast-roping system, highperformance camera, fire-support equipment, ballistic protection as well as an electronic countermeasures system. The 3.7-ton mtow H145M can be used for a range of military tasks, including troop transport, utility, surveillance, air rescue, armed reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.
The HForce H145M. Image: Airbus
The Hungarian Ministry of Defence has ordered 20 Airbus H145M military helicopters equipped with the HForce weapons-management system. Together with the helicopters, Airbus will provide an extensive
training and support package. The HForce system, developed by Airbus Helicopters, will allow Hungary to equip and operate its aircraft with a large set of ballistic or guided air-toground and air-to-air weapons. The
The twin-engine H145M was first delivered in 2015 to the German Armed Forces and has since been ordered by Thailand and the Republic of Serbia. Helicopters in service have a dispatch rate of greater than 95 percent, according to Airbus. The H145M is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with full authority digital engine control and the Helionix digital avionics suite that includes a four-axis autopilot.
StandardAero Receives EASA Certification for CRFT StandardAero recently received EASA certification for its retrofittable crashresistant fuel tank (CRFT) system for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 series. Developed with Robertson Fuel Systems, the CRFT p r e v i o u s l y r e c e i v e d FA A certification in December 2 0 1 7. “ We a r e ex t r e m e l y p l e a s e d to have received EASA c e r t i f i c a t i o n f o l l o w i n g FA A c e r t i f i c a t i o n i n D e c e m b e r,” said Rick Stine, president of StandardAero components, helicopters, and accessories. “It evidences that our industry as a whole is keenly focused on making safety e n h a n c e m e n t s a r e a l i t y, a n d StandardAero is proud to 28 | Collective July 2018
not only be at the forefront of this critical initiative but also to now be able to deliver this life-saving equipment to European o p e r a t o r s a s w e l l .” The CRFT was created to replace legacy AS350 models such as the AS350D, AS350B/B1/B2/BA/B3 and AS350 B3e (H125), and the EC130 B4. StandardAero provides installation and technical support for the kit, which is field replaceable. With a slightly greater capacity than the legacy fuel cell, the CRFT features magnetic field sensors f u e l g a u g i n g t e c h n o l o g y, a recessed sump drain valve, quick-change cartridge fuel pump design and vent system roll-over protection.
A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e C R F T c o m p l i e s w i t h t h e FA R Pa r t 2 7. 9 5 2 f u e l s y s t e m c r a s h resistance requirements and is compatible with the manufacturer’s cargo swing and other cargo swing solutions. S i n c e t h e C R F T FA A approval, StandardAero has delivered 40 kits to customers such as Air M e t h o d s a n d W e a t h e r Te c h Aviation, who also served as its launch customers. Both StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems recognized Air Methods at Heli-Expo in L a s Ve g a s e a r l i e r t h i s y e a r during an event celebrating the 11 CRFT retrofits that had taken place at that time.
WE BACK THE BLUE
July 2018 Collective | 29
Story & Images By: Mark Watterson 30 | Collective July 2018
Australia ’s premier helicopter s howcas e has wound u p for 2018 on the S uns hine Coas t , Aus t ralia. The bi-annual eve n t was held this ye ar at t he Novotel Twin Water s R es or t . The three day event included conferences wit h t hir t y sp ea kers over twent y-t wo s es s ion on s ubject s s uch as Aeria l fi refi ghting, CA SA’s new per for m ance categor ie s, the rela tionship bet ween helicopter s and air por t s an d the commerci al and s afet y im pact of unm anned aeri a l vehicles. Thi s yea rs g uest keynote s peaker was helicopter pilot C harles “C huck” Aaron, Chuck was one of t he fir s t heli copter p i lots to be cer t ified by t he FAA to per for m aerob a tics in his m odified MB B B o 1 0 5 Helicopter. Chu ck ’s
July July 2018 Collective | 31
Chuck Aaron making his grand entrance with John McDermott in the Bell 214
keynote addres s t it led “Never q u i t, Never give up, fight unt il t he e n d - Mit igat ing R is ks ” was a hit wi th convent ion at tendees. We caught up wit h Chuck du ri n g R otor tech to dis cus s his prese n ta ti on and his t hought s on t he Aus tra li a n helicopter indus t r y.
“We’ve come so far in aviation the last 100 years, There is still millions of things need to be dreamed up and done but they are all dangerous in our aviation world, but theres a way to do it correctly, like for example, going to the moon, or looping helicopters. you just gotta mitigate your risks, learn how to mitigate the risks and do it with intelligence. You can do it and you can do it safely. Its very important that people know that w h a t I ’v e d o n e w a s n o t l i k e m y h a i r l i t o n fi re a n d I d e c i d e d I wa s 32 | Collective July 2018
One of the attractions this year was one of the first Bell 505x Jet Rangers in Australia (VHVSB) owned and operated by Nautilus Aviation in Far North Queensland.
July 2018 Collective | 33
going to go do something stupid, l o o p i n g h e l i c o p t e r s . I ’v e p u t years and thousands of hours of p ra c t i c e a n d t h i n k i n g a n d g e t t i n g other peoples ideas, knowing w h a t t h e d a n g e r p o i n t s a re, h ow am i going to exit a potential p ro b l e m . Mitigate the risk, Find out what t h e r i s k s a re a n d wo r k a ro u n d them, sit down and talk about t h e m .” A a ro n a l s o c o m m e n te d o n t h e n e e d t o p u s h t h e i n d u s t r y. W h e n a s ke d w h a t h e t h o u g h t we c o u l d d o a ch i eve t h a t g o a l , h e re p l i e d . “ G e t k i d s i nvo l ve d . t h e re i s s o
McDermott Aviation had a Bell 214B on static display illustrating the size difference in bucket capacity between both buckets the 214 is capable of deploying.
34 | Collective July 2018
much that has not been thought o f i n av i a t i o n . yo u h ave to re a ch outside the box and you just g o t t a d o i t m e t h o d i c a l l y.� A l l i n a l l , t h e R o t o r t e c h s h o w, while still smaller than otherts a ro u n d t h e wo r l d i s a wo r t h w h i l e i nve s t m e n t fo r t h e Au s t ra l i a n Helicopter industr y and those seeking to market themselves within it.
Pacific Crown Helicopters showcased a couple of helicopters this year in the static display, VH-JSM AS350B2 and N168SE EC130 T2. The EC130 T2 is part of a Tender won by Pacific crown for two helicopters
July 2018 Collective | 35
Later this year will see the launch of discovery yacht “Scenic Eclipse” from the founder of travel company Scenic. Part of this project includes 2 aircraft which have been selected as The EC130T2. Pacific Crown will provide the base support role in this project. This is the first of the two EC130’s Pacific crown are fitting out for the project.
O n e o f t h e m o re p o p u l a r s ta n d s a t R o to r te c h wa s O ff P l a n e t S i m u l a t i o n s V i r t u a l re a l i t y t ra i n i n g s y s te m . T h i s CA S A c e r t i fi e d s i m u l a to r a l l ow s c re w m e m b e r s a n d p i l o t s to wo r k to g e t h e r i n a s i m u l a t i o n w i t h o u t l e a v i n g t h e g ro u n d . I t i s m a r ke te d a s a s a fe a n d l ow c o s t a l te r n a t i ve to h e l i c o p te r c o n d u c te d t ra i n i n g evo l u t i o n s , w h i c h i s a ve n t u re by B e c ke r h e l i c o p te r w h i c h w i l l b e b a s e d at the Sunshine Coast Airport. in Q u e e n s l a n d , Au s t ra l i a . 36 | Collective July 2018
Sisley Clothing Australia exhibited at Rotortech this year. Owner Matt Sisely (pictured with daughter Kayla)
“ This is one of those shows that you have to be at, we attended the HAI Heli expo in the United States to wave our brand name internationally and for us Rotortech being on home soil is such a fantastic network event and also helps with future orders of our product from new and existing clients with our custom made one and two piece flight suits.�
July 2018 Collective | 37
IND STA
BAC
Story By: Ryan Mason Images By:Ryan Mason & Sara Hunter 38 | Collective July July2018 2018
DIANA ATE POLICE
CK IN BLUE
Now in its 85th year serving the citizens of Indiana, the Indiana State Police
was one of the first agencies in the United States to not only identify the need for full time dedicated airborne law enforcement but to deploy assets strategically around the state to assist in their local area when needed promptly. Beginning operations in 1948 with a single Navion plane, the agency quickly realized the benefits of having a law enforcement capability to not only observe from above to assist in everything from traffic monitoring to fugitive pursuit and apprehension, but also expanding the reach of the agency wherever it was needed by transporting troopers around the state on various missions.
Over the next several decades of existence for the Indiana State Police Aviation Section, now boasting sixty-six years of constant operation, the agency continued to expand their mission capabilities, fleet, and many pilots staffing the section. At its highest point in the late eighties and early nineties, the aviation section boasted twenty-one total July | 39 July 2018 2018 Collective Collective | 39
aircraft deployed around the state that was a mix
assets, a single Cessna 182, a Cessna 172 and the
of fixed wing and rotary aircraft that were placed
aviation section’s flagship aircraft, the Beechcraft
strategically around the state based on the needs
B200. From its once plentiful supply of both fixed
of the area.
and rotary assets, the State Police rotary assets had
As the fleet of the agency continued to age and as administrations turned over every eight years with term-limited governors, so too did the appointed State Police Superintendents. Another factor, beyond changes in administrations, was the start
dwindled to a single remaining 1984 model Bell 206 Longranger as two Bell 206 helicopters sat in the hangar unable to fly. A far cry from what was at one time considered one of the largest aviation units in the country.
of the Great Recession around 2008. Many states
On January 14, 2013, Doug Carter was sworn in
faced significant budget shortfalls, inclusive of
as the 20th Superintendent of the Indiana State
Indiana, which made a strategic decision to forgo
Police. Carter was selected for the role in 2012 by
maintaining an extensive air section as compared
the Governor of Indiana, now Vice President, Mike
to the possibility of furloughing police personnel
Pence. Before being asked to serve as Indiana’s top
as done by some other state law enforcement
cop, Carter had served eighteen years with the State
agencies.
Police prior to resigning after being elected Sheriff of
Fast forward to 2013, after several decades of decline, the Indiana State Police was operating their aviation section with only three fixed-wing 40 | Collective July 2018
Hamilton County, IN in November of 2002. Indiana limits a Sheriff term to two consecutive four year terms, which resulted in Carter leaving the Sheriff’s office at the conclusion of his second term in 2010.
July 2018 Collective | 41
Upon commencement of his new role as state police superintendent, Carter set out to see how the agency spent its budget. In doing so, Carter came across a memo seeking transfer of ownership of the remaining flyable state police assets to the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). Which by all accounts, regardless of any staffing of the helicopters, would effectively spell the end of over sixty years of proud history providing law enforcement aviation support to the citizens of Indiana. Supt. Carter discussed the memo, and the current financial state of the aviation section, with the number two person on the state police, Col. Mark French and it was decided there should be a meeting with Governor Pence. After less than a month in office, Carter met with then Governor Pence in February of 2013 and explained the gravity of the situation with the aviation capabilities of the state police and how the aviation section had been affected by the economic downturn over the past decade and it was not a sustainable business model to sell assets to keep another state agency flying. At the conclusion of the meeting, with consideration of what the State Police needed to return the aviation unit to full capabilities, Governor Pence stated to Carter “You are no longer in the transportation business, you’re in the law enforcement business, create a model.” Carter stated, at the time, that was “music to my ears” and he and his team immediately began working to identify a sustainable solution. While the challenge was significant to get the aviation section back up to full operational capabilities, it was also a priority to make the model sustainable. It was clear this was a priority objective for Carter. I could see it in his eyes, body 42 | Collective July 2018
language and hear the frustration in his voice as he highlighted events where he believed, had the assets to respond been present, the outcome could have been very different. Carter detailed specific instances, like that of a lost elderly patient in Northern Indiana that walked away from a nursing home - found later the next day deceased in the snow, or a five-year-old child that drowned in a lake in Southern Indiana.
Rebuilding The process to rebuild a unit that is a shadow of what it once was, was initially a slow one. Requiring one final sacrifice to turn the tide. The agencies last remaining 2001 King Air 200 would need to be sold to finance the upgrade of the aviation section’s last remaining helicopter, the Bell Longranger. The final sacrifice was for the greater good. Supplying
“We had to be able to respond. We could not
the budget required to finance the upgrade of
continue to not respond to events that I knew
N54SP, Although somewhat of a stop-gap measure
that people died.� said Carter.
to improve the onboard capabilities of the only July 2018 Collective | 43
remaining rotary asset, it was the beginning of
That meant installation of several key mission
reaffirming what the agency could do if given the
technology upgrades such as replacing the
right tools.
helicopters aging FLIR 8500 unit that was no longer
Even with careful planning, it still takes time, and a little luck for plans put in motion to reach the execution stage. As with many government agencies, there was much red tape between the sale of one aircraft and the eventual upgrade completion of another. The sale of the Beechcraft King Air netted the agency a $1.8 million windfall with which to work with on the Longranger upgrade. Though the upgrade took almost two and a half years to come to fruition, it was completed under budget for $1.3 million.
Resurgence Although a thirty-five-year-old Bell 206L, Carter wanted the most bang for the buck on safety and functionality. The goal being able to upgrade the agency’s ability to assist in as many ways possible with the available funds to modernize the craft with state-of-the-art additions that would complement future anticipated rotary craft purchases. “We had to have EO/IR technology, we had to have night illumination capability, we had to have mapping, and we had to protect these pilots in the air,” Carter said. 44 | Collective July 2018
functional, with a state of the art L3 Wescam MX10 EO/IR system able to work in conjunction with a Churchill mapping system. Although almost unheard of today, adding the mapping ability was the first time onboard mapping technology had been deployed on any State Police aircraft in their over sixty years of operation. The Churchill system was selected for its compatibility to integrate with the MX-10 unit and a Trakka Beam 800 spotlight, which both possess
“We had to have EO/IR technology, we had to have night illumination capability, we had to have mapping, and we had to protect these pilots in the air,” — Doug Carter, ISP Superintendent
July 2018 Collective | 45
the ability to be slaved to the Churchill mapping
unidentifiable locations. This gave the flight crew
system and maintain a lock on a fixed location while
the ability to fly directly to an officer’s position, versus
in an orbit, freeing the Tactical Flight Officer (TFO)
spending valuable seconds orbiting while trying to
from having to manually manipulate the controls of
locate a trooper. Should this feature be adopted
multiple units to stay on a target location.
by other agencies, it has the potential to save lives
The upgrade of the 206, awarded to Thoroughbred Aviation in Kentucky, also involved some outside – the-box thinking from the team, including a first for Churchill Navigation, who were asked by Chief Pilot David Ruegsegger, to see if it was possible to overlay mile markers on their maps. The request based on how state troopers mark their location when on a traffic stop on an interstate. This feature decreased the helicopters response time from initial dispatch to arrival on scene by being able track to previously 46 | Collective July 2018
through more rapid response time.
Uncertainty of change As the refurbished 206L returned to service after its upgrade, this still left the aviation section with no backup if their primary helicopter needed scheduled maintenance. Around the same time period, the political climate was about to change abruptly as Governor Pence, who supported the growth of the aviation section was tapped as
was later elected in the regular gubernatorial election of November of 2016. Carter was also asked to retain his role as superintendent by Governor Holcomb, making him only the second Indiana State Police Superintendent to serve under two different administrations. This was a break from the usual practice of each Governor selecting their own choice to fill the role of Indiana’s top cop and speaks to the professionalism of Supt. Carter. Continuing his role leading the agency without missing a beat, Carter continued the push for a budget that could build and sustain the aviation section for the long term. That request was granted in July of 2017 when the state approved the purchase of a new Bell 407GXP. Speaking about the 407GXP, “This is the first new helicopter bought by the agency since the 1960’s” said State Police Chief Public Information Officer, Captain Dave Bursten. The 407GXP, viewed as a much more cost-effective helicopter for the missions performed by ISP, thanks to an upgraded engine over 30 years newer than their previous model. This facilitates a much more economical fuel burn resulting in the 407 becoming the primary patrol aircraft for ISP’s Aviation section since its acquisition on March 17, a running mate for Donald Trump, who would
2018. Its arrival was celebrated with a gathering,
eventually win the election to become the 45th
organized by the State Police, of pilots past and
president of the United States, and then resulted in
present that served in the aviation section. All who
Governor Pence becoming the 48th Vice President
attended had the opportunity to look over the
of the United States. The hope for Carter and his
modern avionics suite and other options installed
team was to ensure the same level of support
in the most current 407 available at the time of
in pushing for future growth of the Indiana State
purchase.
Police’s aviation section by whoever the next official was that was to fill the role of Governor.
The new 407GXP was fitted with an NVG compatible cockpit, identical L3/Wescam MX-
At that time of Pence’s ascension to the second
10 EO/IR unit, Trakka 800, identical Churchill
highest office in the land, Eric Holcomb was the
Navigation mapping system, and the addition
Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. With Gov. Pence’s
of the Garmin G1000 avionics suite, which is
mid-term departure, Lt. Gov. Holcomb became
a step up from the Garmin G650/750 combo
Indiana’s 51st governor in the middle of 2016 and
installed in the upgrade of the 206L. The 407GPX July 2018 Collective | 47
also features a repelling fixture, although it is not
the male through use of the infrared imagery
currently an operational priority.
provided, directing troopers on the ground to his
Immediate Benefits Realized Within hours of going into service, Carter’s wish to always be available to assist and save a life as in
location and preventing the very tragedy that Carter never wants to see happen again. Since that first save, crews have saved several other lives in Indiana through locating missing
“We had to be able to respond. We could not continue to not respond to events that I knew that people died.”
adults and children with the use of the onboard
— Doug Carter, ISP Superintendent
the state from their base at Mt. Comfort Airport on
technology in the new aircraft and as well as the benefit of increased speed. Within less than an hour the new 407GXP can reach any corner of the east side of Indianapolis.
years past came to fruition quicker than anyone could have foretold as the 407GXP was requested
Extra Resources
to help in a “Silver Alert” where an elderly male
During the time between the purchase and
had gone missing from a care facility in below
delivery of the 407GXP, ISP was given additional
freezing temperatures. Within minutes of arrival on
approval to lease a 407GX that would initially
scene, the onboard L3/Wescam MX-10 spotted
allow unit pilots the ability to become familiar
48 | Collective July 2018
Training and Staffing
with the Bell 407 platform after attending Bell 407 initial factory training at the Bell training facility in Fort Worth. The 407GX leased was an executive-configured model, which later proved essential when after the arrival of the 407GXP, it was decided the leased 407GX would also be retained
Having to re-staff a unit that had gradually shrunk over a twenty-year period meant most of the previous pilot pool were no longer serving as a pilot or had retired from the agency. So the process of selecting pilots, inclusive of prerequisite requirements, hour minimums and other skills are now being assessed as the
This then added a 2012 model 407GX to the
section begins the process of identifying new
fleet, tripling the ISP aviation assets with all
pilots.
modern avionics. The retained 407GX now serves in an auxiliary capacity, fulfilling timely transportation of not only state police personnel,
The aviation section’s Chief Pilot, Dave Ruegsegger, is a retired State Police pilot, who after retiring from the State Police, took another
but other key government personnel as well as
government role as the Chief Pilot with the
serving as a backup aircraft for law enforcement
Indiana Department of Administration. At the
duties if required.
request of Superintendent Carter, Ruegsegger July 2018 Collective | 49
50 | Collective July July2018 2018
returned to ISP as a civilian pilot and brought
Since that time he has been building hours
with him decades of institutional knowledge to
in the agencies Bell 206L, working toward his
assist with rebuilding the aviation section back
transition into the Bell 407GXP. As Ruegsegger
to where it once was. Now, as the state police’s
explained, “We want any new pilots to the unit
only civilian pilot, Ruegsegger was now back
to make sure they have full proficiency in the
in the saddle, with new flying steeds and the
206L with a lot of instruction and training hours
demanding position of running the day to
with either myself or Sergeant Eric Streeval.”
day operations of an ever-changing unit within
Streeval, a longtime pilot in the unit recently
the State Police.
obtained his instrument instructor add-on
Ruegsegger’s role, now much more challenging with the recent addition of the
to become the only CFII within the aviation section.
first new full-time pilot in some time, Sergeant
Ruegsegger holds a current CFI rating in
Aaron Kaucher, who had a passion for aviation
helicopters along with multiple fixed wing
that led him to obtain his helicopter ratings, at
certifications, including a twin engine rating,
the commercial level, in the hopes of one day
once a prerequisite for any pilot in the unit in
earning a role within the ISP aviation section
previous years. This is no longer a requirement
as a pilot. Kaucher’s dream and goal was
since the aviation section presently no longer
realized in May of 2018.
has a twin engine craft in the fleet. July 2018 Collective | 51
The Final Piece
manage the workload. The search for TFO candidates is currently in progress and when those positions are
The aviation section once at full capacity will cover
filled, each TFO will work the same schedule as the
a full-time schedule that provides for an aircraft on
pilots in the section.
standby for calls 18 hours a day/7 days a week and
Future
recently added two part-time pilots who are both current serving members of the Indiana Air National Guard flying Black Hawks in addition to their duties
When asked about a perfect world aviation section
as troopers. Ruegsegger noted that having the ability
for the State Police in the eyes of Doug Carter, it was
to pull from their ranks and have two pilots that have
apparent that those wheels had already turned as
already amassed a substantial amount of aviation
his rapid-fire answer to the question of what his idea
experience in larger aircraft will be a benefit going
of the critical missions and ideal aircraft to carry that
forward, although the smaller aircraft may take some
out would be, he answered without hesitation that
getting used to.
if given the opportunity and the budget to achieve it. He would like the Bell 429. He stated that being
In addition to the pilot ranks, for the first time, the
able to offer full search and rescue capability would
Indiana State Police is also looking within their ranks
greatly benefit the people of Indiana and increase
for troopers with an interest in aviation to fill the role of
the effectiveness of what will currently be possible by
tactical flight officers (TFO’s) that will respond to calls
way of locating the issue or person, but being able
with pilots and operate the mission equipment on
to complete the rescue and bring the person back
board the helicopter, which with the newer advanced
safely once located would be the icing on the cake
equipment, requires another trooper on board to
in his eyes.
52 | Collective July 2018 52 | Collective July 2018
Like many agencies before theirs, the Indiana State
When compared to putting a price tag on the life of
Police has taken a good hard look at themselves
a loved one, the State of Indiana has invested several
internally to decide if aviation is a worthwhile pursuit
million dollars in not just sustaining an aviation opera-
as part of providing law enforcement operations
tion, but invested in protecting the citizens of Indiana
in their state and how to fund them on a continual
who may one day need the help of those very same
basis. Thankfully for the state and its troopers working
helicopters.
around the state day in and day out, their superintendent fought hard to resurrect a unit that may well
Through the hard work, dogged determination, and
have not lasted long if old practices continued.
commitment of Superintendent Carter, Colonel French, and his team that worked to resurrect the
Ultimately, Carter felt it was the right move to sustain
aviation section, the Indiana State Police’s Aviation
and improve what little they did have. A move that
Section will now continue to build on its proud history,
paid off literally within hours of the new helicopter
and continue to serve those it was created to help for
arriving into service and immediately saving a life.
many decades to come. July 2018 Collective | 53
E.C.H.O TACTICAL FLIGH
CREW ACADEM
Story By: Ryan Mason Images by: Craig Landefeld
54 | Collective July July2018 2018
OHT
MY
July | 55 July 2018 2018 Collective Collective | 55
The former East Coast Helicopter Operations organization has gone through a few changes in the last year, the biggest change being the move to partially rebrand as “Every Coast Helicopter Operations.�
holding and attending these training sessions at a small cost or no cost at all for attendees. ECHO was created and designed as a way to utilize the wealth of knowledge and experiences brought forth by individual flight programs and their crews.
Due to the organizations growth. What was initially a small group of helicopter professionals in operational flight programs, grew over time to take advantage of joint training opportunities in a less formal environment with an aim to keeping the costs of
Initially, training provided gave attendees an opportunity for groups to discuss, brainstorm, and help resolve issues common to public safety and EMS flight programs. These gatherings also provide flight crews the chance to share knowledge and gain
56 | Collective July 2018
add ann held Ten Univ
In a con oth incl
insight from subject matter experts. Since then, ECHO has provided targeted training programs for tactical, search and rescue and air medical and continues rapidly
Academy, held this year in Orlando, Florida. This year’s event was hosted jointly by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department and Tampa Police Department. Of the sixty-three attendees in this year’s academy from twenty different agencies, over half had never attended any type of Shallow Water Egress Training
ding events and now a larger nual conference that will be d this year in Chattanooga, nnessee September 7-9 at the versity of Tennessee campus.
addition to the annual nference, ECHO hosts several her courses throughout the year luding the Tactical Flight Crew July 2018 Collective | 57
(SWET) and for three quarters of attendees, this was their first attendance at any type of training outside of agency provided training. The event also featured a fly in BBQ night attended by almost two hundred attendees that consisted of flight crews and their families and saw ten helicopters in attendance. Also featured during the academy was a survival course taught by Navy SERE instructors that taught attendees how to survive in the outdoors in the unlikely event that their aircraft went down, and they would have to fend for themselves until help arrived. As is the ECHO standard,the five-day course for all attendees was held free of charge and even included 30 minutes of sim time in an Elite Simulations flight simulator that was brought along for the event. Jon Kaminsky, one of the founding members of ECHO stated “This event is the most successful one we have had so far, we were filled over capacity with attendees within weeks of announcing we were going to hold it. It goes to show that there really is a substantial need for more training within the industry. We are just happy to be able to provide another avenue to flight crews that allows them to get valuable training and that thanks to many generous sponsors, we are still able to offer these events at no cost and we hope to expand the events around the country to more locations in the future as time and sponsorship allows.� 58 | Collective July 2018
July 2018 Collective | 59
Story by Sara Hunter Photos supplied by Brent Bundy
Brent Bundy A Career of giving back
| Collective | Collective 60 60 JulyJuly 2018 2018
Brent Bundy is a seasoned airborne law enforcement officer. Having some 17 years under his belt in the field, to say he is experienced is an understatement. Now rounding the corner and nearing his retirement, I decided it was time to sit down and discuss his career with him and share what an outstanding human being he is with the world. A 1986 graduate from Genesee, Missouri Michigan, his original plan was a career in the medical field as a doctor. By his freshman year of college, at 17 years old, something clicked, and plans changed. A friend at the time was majoring in Criminal Justice alongside him and after investigating the field further, Bundy was hooked. “It fell in line with the idea of helping people that I desired so it felt like just another way of achieving that goal,� Bundy said.
By1992, Bundy had begun his career as a Law Enforcement Officer, working 3rd shift patrol in west Phoenix, Arizona. The metropolis he patrolled came with the typical day to day challenges: foot pursuits, perimeter checks, vehicle pursuits, nothing short of non-stop duties. For an officer in his early-twenties, it was a completely satisfactory and fulfilling 9-5. Then one day the hum of rotor blades in the sky above him caught his attention. As a Michigan native, where police agencies were much smaller, Bundy was somewhat unaccustomed to the need for helicopters in the field. He had never even thought about being involved in flying until working the streets of Phoenix with their large, well-established air unit. In a period of more than half a decade as a patrol officer, the interest grew, and the need to get in the cockpit of a helicopter intensified. Once he saw the job up close and in person, he was convinced that was where he needed to be.
Put pull quote here about Heinet. More text here for the final guote. 61 | collective March 2018
July 2018 Collective | 61
Bundy transferred to the aviation
ended up with around 600 hours
peacekeeping, he found joy in
unit in 2001, after his years as a
in the MD 520N. Again, for always
his career, which was heightened
patrol officer and a 2-year period
being on the unusual side, most
upon the addition of flying. The
as a Property Crimes Detective.
of Bundy’s flight time has consist-
feat didn’t come without some
His transition began as a TFO,
ed of night hours, mainly be-
difficulty. Multiple years were
training in Phoenix PD’s MD 520N.
cause of his fondness for the 3rd
spent juggling flying patrol flights
Within a few months, training be-
shift hours he was so accustomed
and working as a TFO to obtain
gan in Cessna 172’s, in which he
to. With nearly 4000 logged hours
his helicopter rating. Time away
received his private pilot rating.
during his 13 years flying helicop-
from the family was difficult, but
ters, approximately 3000 of them
the rewards and the experiences
are night hours. Bundy also even-
were well worth it to them. The
tually earned Rescue Pilot status
adventures were always in steady
in the single-engine helicopters. 4
supply as well. The stories are al-
½ years ago, he transferred to the
ways in abundance with any Law
unit’s airplane detail where he is
Enforcement Officer, and there
still currently assigned.
will always be those that stand
Bundy completed his private pilot license in airplanes then moved on to his commercial helicopter rating. It is unusual for a helicopter pilot to have their initial training in a turbine helicopter, but Bundy is not one to do things the ordinary way. Phoenix PD origi-
In his 27 years in the law enforce-
nally trained in the Hughes 269,
ment world, Bundy has seen his
and Bundy was one of the first
share of challenges and triumphs.
to go straight into turbines. He
From the day to day rewards of
62 | Collective July 2018
out. One particular instance that stands out to Bundy developed “Pulp Fiction Style” with two suspects entered a diner and,
at gunpoint, forced the patrons to place their valuables in trash bags. Bundy and his partner spotted the suspect vehicle, which led to a chase. The suspects eventually bailed from their vehicle, one forcing entry into an apartment, while the other continued on to a college campus, approaching a day care center. Taking quick action, Bundy landed the aircraft in the suspects path, allowing his partner to quickly exit the aircraft and take chase on foot. Undoubtedly, both suspects were apprehended thanks to the quick thinking of Bundy and his partner. There is a wealth of knowledge that Bundy has to share, and his ability to teach and lead is unparalleled. A college course instructor since the late 1990’s, Bundy was also the Air Unit TFO Training Coordinator. When asked for any advice he had to give to the future generation of hopeful police aviation pilots, he offered a long list of tips. “If it’s what you want, perseverance will pay off,” Bundy stated. “The most valuable piece of
“The most valuable piece of advice I can give is to do whatever you can to make yourself the best, most desirable candidate possible for when the selection time comes. Whatever you do, don’t stagnate in a position you don’t like. Move around your department, learn as many angles to law enforcement as possible. Airborne LE officers are some of the most well-rounded cops you will meet.”
advice I can give is to do whatever you can to make yourself the best, most desirable candidate possible for when the selection time comes. Whatever you do, don’t stagnate in a position you don’t like. Move around your department, learn as many angles to law enforcement as possible. Airborne LE officers are some of July 2018 Collective | 63
the most well-rounded cops you will meet.” The field is a difficult one to break in to. Most agencies require time on the streets as an officer before they would be considered as a pilot. Phoenix PD has a staff of well over 3000 officers, with only 28 of those officers being pilots. Beyond being a pilot, Bundy also has many other talents, the most of which is photography. For the last 9 years, he has incorporated that pastime into his second job with an aviation publication as both a photographer and a writer. The position allows for world travels and the opportunity to meet with pilots and flight department personnel from all walks of life and is a career that Bundy will soon be transitioning to full-time. With his retirement pending in the next couple years, Bundy happily welcomes the change after a long and rewarding history as an officer. For most, when reaching this milestone in life, the inevitable question of what comes next and how to get there usually lingers. For Bundy, that question is answered easily: find what you love and do it. You will find your niche. “Even if you don’t think you have any other abilities, you’ve spent decades learning skills that are highly sought-after in the ‘non-police world’,” he advises those who may be nearing the same point and pondering what’s next. “Don’t sell yourself short.” 64 | Collective July 2018
Above: Brent Bundy is squalified to fly all of the assets in the Phoenix Police department Aviation Unit. This includes a range of Cessnas, a Pilatus PC-12 , Leonardo Helicopters AW119 and the multiple AS350 models the agency flies.
Below: Bundy took up photography as a hobby and once in the aviation unit at Phoenix Police, he was quickly tapped as their go-to guy when it came to taking photos from the helicopter.
July 2018 Collective | 65