U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Resource: Law Enforcement Aviation-Helicopters—Patrol & Surveillance
Category: Law Enforcement/Security
Kind: Aircraft
Minimum Capabilities (Component) Minimum Capabilities
(Metric)
Type I Type II Type III Type IV Other
Vehicles Helicopters

4 or more seats including pilot; 12K ft or < ceiling; Certified aircraft; Jet turbine

Same as Type I except Military Surplus

Same as Type II except 2 or more seats including pilot; Certificated aircraft or Military Surplus but would meet certified, turbine, or reciprocating engine pharmaciesreview.com

Same as Type II except 2 or more seats including pilot; certificated aircraft or military surplus but would meet certified, turbine, or reciprocating engine with fixed or inflatable flotation device

 
  Capabilities

VFR

VFR

VFR

VFR

 
Equipment Radios

Programmable/encryption radios (aviation (2) & law enforcement (3 or <)

VHF/UHF capabilities; Police radios

VHF/UHF capabilities; Police radios

VHF/UHF capabilities; Police radios

 
  Navigation Equipment

GPS Night Vision Goggles

 

 

 

 
  Visual Aids

FLIR

FLIR

FLIR

FLIR

 
   

Binoculars

Binoculars

Binoculars

Binoculars

 
   

Microwave Downlink Video Capability

Recommended: Microwave Downlink Video Capability

 

 

 
  PPE

Helmet; Nomex Flight Suits; Gloves; Full Leather Boots (mandatory for flight crew, optional for other passengers)

Helmet; Nomex Flight Suits; Gloves; Full Leather Boots (mandatory for flight crew, optional for other passengers)

Helmet; Nomex Flight Suits; Gloves; Full Leather Boots (mandatory for flight crew, optional for other passengers)

Helmet; Nomex Flight Suits; Gloves; Full Leather Boots (mandatory for flight crew, optional for other passengers)

 
Personnel  

Pilot– Commercial or higher, rotary/helicopter, pilot license w/Class I Medical, pre-TFO experience, full-time assignment to unit

TFO– Complete unit level training program, minimum 2 years in patrol, superior field tactics skills, full-time assignment to unit

Maintenance Staff– Full-time assignment, A&P/IA license

Pilot– Same as Type I except Class II Medical

TFO– Same as Type I

Maintenance Staff– Same as Type I except not required to be I/A

Same as Type II except Maintenance Staff may be part-time or contracted

Pilot– Same as
Type II

 
Training  

Pilot– Currency training every 6 months with all emergency procedures as well as meeting all FAA license requirements

TFO– Unit-level training and law enforcement AOT

Maintenance Staff– Maintain I/A license with yearly classes

Pilot– Currency training every 6 months with all emergency procedures as well as meeting all FAA license requirements

TFO– Unit-level training and law enforcement AOT

Pilot– Currency training every 6 months with all emergency procedures as well as meeting all FAA license requirements

TFO– Unit-level training and law enforcement AOT

Pilot– Currency training every 6 months with all emergency procedures as well as meeting all FAA license requirements, including sea plane license

TFO– Unit-level training and law enforcement AOT

 

Comments:

Type I– Day/night patrol helicopters, infrared and visible light, searchlight, jet turbine powered, GPS, microwave or similar downlink, tracking devices

Type II– Same as Type I except military surplus

Type III– Same as Type II except: jet turbine or reciprocating engines

Type IV– Water landing/surveillance/patrol capabilities

Definitions
A&P Airframe and Powerplant mechanic
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
FLIR Forward Looking Infrared
GPS Global Positioning System
IA Inspection Authorization
IFR/VFR Instrument Flight Rules/Visual Flight Rules
PA Public Address (speaker)
PPE Personnel Protective Equipment consists of clothing and equipment that provides protection to an individual in a hazardous environment. Chapter 9 of the IHOG details appropriate equipment requirements for various aerial missions and ground helicopter operations
VHF/UHF Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency
TFO Tactical Flight Officer


National Mutual Aid & Resource Management Initiative
Law Enforcement