16 Questions
When may law enforcement air support be requested?
Under any of the conditions specified in the content
What is the preferred size of a landing zone for a rotary aircraft?
60 ft. by 60 ft.
What should be removed from the landing zone before the aircraft lands?
Only debris on the ground
Who has final authority over everyone and everything within the immediate area of the landing zone?
The pilot
What should officers do when the aircraft is ready to depart?
Ensure the established landing zone area is clear of vehicles and pedestrians
Why may vehicle parking lights be left on during landing?
For landing recognition purposes
How many officers should be used to secure the landing zone?
Two
How should officers approach the aircraft?
Only to the front, and only after the pilot has signaled approval
Who is the primary responder for all aircraft assistance requests originating within the Department?
APD Air Operations
When can an officer request air support from another law enforcement agency or Starflight?
When APD Air Operations is unavailable or off-duty
Who is responsible for determining the appropriate course of action for law enforcement related situations?
An APD Air Operations supervisor
Who is responsible for setting up and maintaining a landing zone?
Officers
When is the decision to call Starflight for medical purposes made?
When EMS ground units make the decision
What is the primary purpose of air support?
To provide valuable assistance to ground personnel
Who must approve the request for air support when the situation involves imminent danger to officers or the public?
The Watch Lieutenant
What information must an officer notify Communications of when requesting EMS?
The victim's age, sex, and injuries
Study Notes
Purpose and Scope of Air Support
- Air support can be invaluable in certain situations, and this order outlines when to request it and who is responsible for making the request.
Requesting Air Support Assistance
- APD Air Operations is the primary responder for all aircraft assistance requests within the Department.
- A request for air support is made by contacting Communications, and if APD Air Operations is unavailable, a request can be made to another law enforcement agency or Starflight.
- In situations involving imminent danger to officers or the public, the request must be approved by the Watch Lieutenant.
- For other law enforcement related situations, a supervisor must contact the on-duty or on-call Air Operations supervisor to determine the appropriate course of action.
Circumstances Under Which Aid May Be Requested
- Law enforcement air support may be requested in situations such as:
- When the aircraft is activated under existing mutual aid agreements
- When the safety of law enforcement personnel is in jeopardy
- When the use of aircraft will aid in the capture of a suspected fleeing felon
- When an aircraft is needed to locate a missing person who constitutes a serious health or safety hazard
- In vehicle pursuits
Rotary Aircraft Landing Zone Guidelines
- Officers must establish and maintain a landing zone that is:
- Preferably 60 ft. by 60 ft.
- On a hard road surface, or grass or dirt areas if a paved road is not available
- Free of obstructions such as telephone wires, power lines, poles, structures, or vehicles
- Clear of debris on the ground
- Officers must also:
- Remove hats or caps that may be blown away during landing and take-off
- Turn off emergency lights, spotlights, and headlights during landing and take-off
- Secure the landing zone with at least two officers
- Keep personnel and vehicles out of the landing zone prior to landing, while the aircraft is on the ground, and during take-off
- Not approach the aircraft from the rear or sides, and only approach from the front after the pilot has signaled approval.
This quiz covers the purpose and scope of air support, situations where it may be requested, and the responsibilities for making a request. It outlines the role of APD Air Operations and procedures for requesting air support assistance.
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