Florida Highway Patrol Aviation Section
The Florida Highway Patrol currently has five Bell OH-58 Helicopters recently received from military downsizing of 1208 programs. After modification and inspection, the first of these aircraft have been put into service for patrol missions. The first helicopter is assigned to the southern region of the state and flies out of West Palm Beach. The second helicopter is assigned to the northern region and is based in Lake City, Florida. These aircraft are fully equipped to perform day and night law enforcement operations, and are flown by a permanently assigned flight crew including a Lieutenant/Pilot and Trooper/Observer. Helicopter equipment includes a 30,000,000 candlepower "Night Sun" spotlight; public address system; Lo-Jack stolen vehicle recovery system; and UHF, VHF and 800 Mhz radios. The Florida Highway Patrol helicopters provide additional capabilities not afforded by the Patrol’s fixed wing fleet of aircraft. Because of slow flight, low altitude capabilities, and the ability to land almost anywhere, the helicopter significantly increases our operational capabilities available to law enforcement. The helicopters have already provided unprecedented assistance to the Florida Highway Patrol and the citizens of Florida by providing support in our counter-narcotic efforts, to hurricane victims, during Value-Jet Flight 592 recovery as well as assisting to locate a suspect who had mortally wounded a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer.
Florida Highway Patrol helicopters are available 24 hours a day for patrol assignments as well as being available to assist other law enforcement agencies. The helicopters are often called upon to assist in special enforcement details and assignments throughout the state.
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