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Air Support Division Standard Operating Procedures
Section 1 - Unit Mission
1.1 - Mission Statement
The mission of the San Andreas Air Support Division is to protect the population of the State, reduce crime, enhance officer safety and mitigate natural or man-made disasters through professional airborne law enforcement in the safest manner possible.
1.2 - AirOne Mission Breakdown
When operating AirOne on airstation there are several missions that AirOne may be called upon to perform. The following are examples but not limited to:
10-80's Vehicle Pursuits or 10-70's Foot Pursuits
AirOne may be called upon to follow a suspect in a safe manner to allow ground units to back up due to the chase becoming dangerous for the ground units or to keep an eye on the suspect where normal ground units cannot.
Aerial Searches
AirOne may be deployed to do searches for suspects, injured/missing persons, or stolen vehicles due to the fact that a helicopter can cover larger areas much quicker than ground units and can check hard to reach areas easier than ground units.
Aerial Surveillance
AirOne may be deployed to perform surveillance missions in order to act as the "eyes in the sky" for regular or investigation units surveying the area in order for ground units to have a better understanding in a given area of operations or what the suspect they are investigating is doing. This mission usually will mainly support our Intelligence Division personnel to surveil a given area for drug sales.
Heist Overwatch
AirOne can perform an overwatch of a location that is being hit as part of a major heist until ground units arrive for the scene to start
Aerial Overview (Air Station)
Fully trained aircrews have the option to provide aerial overview if the required number of ground units are available. This means that the aircrew has the option to take flight and stay on air station during their shift. The primary purpose for this is to reduce the time it takes to get to a scene and help ground units faster. While not attached to a call always maintain 1,500 feet AGL
Special Operations Missions
Special operations missions consist of AirOne supporting S.W.A.T with serving high risk warrants like large drug busts initiated by the Intelligence Division, Arrest warrants for dangerous felons as well as high risk insertions into gang compounds.
As well as any other missions deemed necessary by the Chief of the Police.
Section 2 - Uniform Structure
2.1 - Uniform Standards
Officers who are assigned to the Air Support Division are authorized to wear flight suits and protective equipment as stated below.
Arms: 20
Undershirt: 71
Jackets: 704
Vest: 0
Decals: 0
Neck: 1
Bags: 0
Pants: 114
Shoes: 160
Hat: 132
Glasses: 36 Text: 1
Officers who are assigned to the ASU are authorised to use this uniform for patrol if they are on call for AirOne Operations with the exeption of the Flight Helmet.
Officers who are assigned to the Air Support Division and are required to appear in court will comply with Departmental uniform SOPs for proper dress. Flight suits are not authorized for court appearances when the officer is testifying in a trial.
Section 3 - Qualifications / Crew Duties
3.1 - Qualifications for Air Support Unit
Must hold the rank of Senior Officer or above to qualify for Technical Flight Officer (TFO) training.
Must Hold the Rank of Sergeant or above to qualify for Pilot in Command (PIC).
Must Hold the rank of Captain or above to for Instructor Pilot (IP)
All Officers assigned to Aircrew duties must maintain a current Medical Certificate available from Mt. Zonah Medical Center.
All certified pilots engaged in piloting an aircraft must maintain a valid Airman Certificate with the Helicopter endorsement.
3.2 - Air Crew Responsibilities
3.2.1 - Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
The primary duty of the Pilot in Command is the safe and effective operation of department aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, Departmental Orders, the Aircraft Operator's Manual, and all pertinent laws when applicable.
The Pilot in Command is the ultimate authority aboard the aircraft, regardless of the rank of any other person aboard.
3.2.2 - Tactical Flight Officer (TFO)
Assist the Pilot in Command as needed
Monitor critical engine instruments during take off and landing
Scan for air traffic; and Monitor air traffic communications during takeoff, departure, approach and landing.
The TFO's primary duty is ensuring the aircraft is properly outfitted with all equipment necessary to accomplish its mission
Monitoring the police radio and perform call outs as needed
Observe activity on the ground
Direct tactical operations of the aircraft
Advise the Pilot in Command where to fly via geographic points and when to orbit when engaged in any police activity
Operate all special equipment (lights, NVG's, FLIR, etc.)
Pre-boarding briefing of passengers, to include briefing checklist and waiver form, boarding and disembarking the aircraft.
Safety and security of the aircraft on the ground
3.2.3 - Instructor Pilot (IP)
The IP's primary duty is ensuring the Officers assigned to the Air Support Unit have the proper qualifications and training required to perform their duties within the unit.
Only pilots who have been approved by the Chief of Department or his designee may be assigned as the Instructor Pilots.
Section 4 - Aircraft Operation and Regulations
4.1 - AirOne Regulations
Available Personnel: AirOne can only be deployed if there are an additional four (4) regular ground units left to cover the city at the time AirOne deploys. In the case that this number falls below, the AirOne crew must go back to regular ground patrol until the numbers climb back up.
Spotlight Usage: The spotlight is only to be used with approval from ground units, due to the spotlight being a tool that can be useful in certain situations, but it can also give away your position or that of one of your officers. Also, it can be very bright and blind everyone on the ground including the officers which can be dangerous.
Thermal Camera Usage: Thermal is allowed to be utilized by AirOne personnel. Keep in mind that with thermal vision you’re not able to look through any other materials than wood/plastic, etc. You’re also not able to tell how many heat signatures are inside of a vehicle or inside a closed area that is not made of hard materials like concrete, steel, etc. You also can’t see heat signatures below the water surface.
Medevac Operations: AirOne is not able to do a medical evacuation or transport of an injured patient. This is due to the lack of medical supplies on board of the aircraft. This policy does not change when a medic is onboard the helicopter. Call for County Medflight when needed for medevac.
Rescue Operations: Air One is not able to do rescue operations, the aircraft does not have the right equipment for this kind of operation. You’re able to assist the ground units or medflight with the search but you will need to get medflight up to do the rescue.
Aerial Marksman: Onboard gunners in AirOne are not allowed, due to safety issues and the need for highly specialized training. If an onboard gunner is needed, The S.W.A.T. Seahawk helicopter must be deployed with an aerial marksman onboard.
Pesonnel Transport: It can happen that you are being requested to transport someone from location to location. This includes putting someone like a S.W.A.T. Marksman on a roof or relocating the same to another roof or area. The only time the air unit is allowed to have a passenger is either an additional (co)pilot (training / shadowing purpose) or an Aerial Marksman (rule above still apply).
Unsecured Scenes: AirOne is not allowed to land to assist ground units with securing suspects, scenes, or help with active scenes; we are neither equipped nor trained for this.
4.2 - Flight Zones & Restrictions
During normal operations, there are two types of areas that you need to avoid. Those areas are marked with either red or blue on the map bellow.
Restricted Airspace - These are areas that need to be avoided unless you are engaged in persuit operations. When flying into restricted airspace the Pilot in Command must radio their intent on operating in a restricted airspace (Ex: Be Advised AirOne is involved in a persuit in restricted airspace above LSIA all other air trafic avoid this area) The following areas are considered Restricted Airspace:
LSIA
Grapeseed Airfield
Sandy Shores Airfield
Limited Airspace - These are areas that should be avaided during normal operations. These ares include noise-sensitive areas or tall buildings. In the event low flying is required pilots must maintain a hard deck of 500 feet AGL with in these Limited Airspace areas.
4.3 - Flight Safety
As the aircrafts pilot in command, you are responsible for your crew, passengers and aircraft. During flight operations there are several important points that have to be observed at all times.
Always maintain an appropriate altitude, this means that unless you are landing you should avoid going below the hard deck as much as possible.
Stay away from restricted or limited airspaces if possible. During certain operations, it is possible that the suspect or individual enters a flight zone with certain restrictions. Try to keep your distance from this area as much as possible unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid noise-sensitive areas (schools, hospitals, retirement homes, etc.)
Maintain a decent distance from power lines, cable cars, and other objects that might be a danger to you or your aircraft.
It’s not allowed to fly under bridges or power lines.
Always make sure you are able to return to a refueling point. You should not activate with less than 25% of fuel or turn around if this target hits.
Don’t fly any excessive maneuvers that could damage the aircraft.
When you are not currently involved in an air operation, the minimum altitude for aircrafts is 1,000 feet AGL. This altitude is also required for flight to and from an operation. During air operations there is always a certain risk that something unexpected will happen, you receive a call to do something else that takes priority over the mission you're currently performing. While you are in the air it is the job of both crew members to always be ready for the unexpected. When things get bad , always put the safety of the crew and aircraft and if needed break away from the scene.
Supervisor / Scene Command Request:
It can happen that either a supervisor or scene command requests for AirOne to attach to their scene. While often there is no risk involved in a scene like this, During certain situations it might be questionable if the request is safe to execute. Think for example transporting officers to a roof or hovering to look through a window of a highrise building. If either crew member feels uncomfortable with the request or the request would put Officers or the public at risk the PIC should refuse the request.
Weather Change:
When weather suddenly changes, both crew members need to conduct a new risk assessment. Both need to concur that it is still safe to fly in the current conditions.
Clear Flight Zone:
When there are other aircraft in the vicinity (with-in 1,000 feet) that can cause a potential danger for the operation you are performing, You can direct the aircraft to clear the area. The PIC is to call over the Civilian Aircraft Frequency and direct the aircraft to leave the area.
Shots Fired at Aircraft:
There is always a chance that a suspect will open fire upon the aircraft. The PIC should always make sure to maintain enough distance to prevent this. If the aircraft starts to take fire from the ground take appropriate actions and quickly put more distance between the aircraft and the suspects by performing the following maneuver. Perform a N.O.E. exit (Nap Of Earth) by dumping your collective and nose down to a safe distance and start a climb above the hard deck, if you continue to take fire continue our climb above 900 feet AGL and maintain a safe distance from the scene.
4.4 - Landing and Takeoff Operations
4.4.1 - Helipads
MRPD/BCSO Helipads - No action required. Land and take-off freely, however, inform air traffic you are doing so. At LSIA and Sandy Shores Helipad you are to follow taxiways and runways for takeoff and landing.
Medical Centers Helipads - Inform the hospital personnel your in-coming to their helipad to make sure the pad is clear and medical personnel are on standby.
Civilian Helipads - You need to make sure the ground/helipad is clear of any obstacles, persons, or other objects that can cause a hazard to the aircraft. Make sure you contact Air Traffic before landing or taking off.
4.4.2 - Airports
When taking off or landing at one of these locations it is required the pilot utilize the marked Taxiways and Runways to take off and land:
Los Santos International Airport
Sandy Shores Airfield
Zancudo Military Base
4.4.3 - Unimproved Landing Site
Sometimes it is necessary to land at an unimproved landing site. It is important that both crew members make an assessment of the selected landing site prior to landing. The crew should check for possible hazards like loose objects, obstacles, people in the landing site. Once the site has been deemed safe by both crew members the pilot can land with the assistance of the TFO giving out call outs.
Approach profile for unimproved landing sites:
Section 5 - Aerial Transportation Safety Unit
5.1 -ATSU Mission
The Aerial Transportation Safety Unit (ATSU) is a division within the Air Support Unit. This division’s main tasks are aircraft accident investigation and intelligence gathering. The biggest difference between a normal ASU officer and an ATSU agent is that the ATSU agent mostly works from the ground.
5.2 - Aerial Accident Investigator
When arriving at a crashed aircraft, the Aerial Accident Investigator (AAI) shal ensure that the scene is secure with the help of the other ground units at the scene. Once the scene is secured they shall process the accident scene for evidence and cunduct interviews when needed.
Investigators should when possible, secure the folowing items/statemets:
Blackbox (Flight Data Recorder, FDR and Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR)
Manifest
Paperwork
Flight Logs
Identification
Personal belongings
Statements of the occupants of the aircraft / witnesses.
Illegal Items
Anything else that can be helpful for the investigation.
AAI units on the scene of an aircraft crash will be in charge of the investigation of the incident, if the incident involving the aircraft is criminal in nature investigators will work with Major Crimes or Intelligence Divisions as required to bring the suspect to justice. While investigating a crashed aircraft there are some important things to look at. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the reason for the crash, knowing that an aircraft accident is a string of mishaps that all lead to disaster. Although pilot error is the leading cause for aircraft crashes, mechanical issues, weather at the time of the accident like strong winds and hail are among the other factors that lead to accidents.
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