Air Support Unit Has Been Flying The Model Since 2005

The Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support unit has taken delivery of another Eurocopter AS350 B3. This is the fifth AS350 B3 in the unit’s fleet of helicopters that has grown to meet the needs of its citizens and its expanding coverage area.

Phoenix Police AS350 B3

The Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit was established in 1973. The unit’s primary mission is to support to the Phoenix PD’s ground patrol units and it never closes. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and covers an area of more than 500 square miles with over 1.5 million residents.

The Air Support Unit began operating AS350s in 2005. The unit’s coverage area has continued to grow, so it has had to expand its fleet. The AS350 has been an integral part of the unit’s growth and has been a workhorse in the fleet.

“Our helicopters need to have proven performance and reliability to handle the variety of missions we perform,” said Phil Tilford, Chief Pilot of the Phoenix Police Department’s Air Support Unit, announcing the delivery Thursday. “The AS350 B3 has been very dependable and has one of the lowest operating costs in its class, so it was an easy choice.”

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