(Off Topic) - MD Helicopters Receives New 500E Order from St. Louis Metro Air Support

[stlouisx50]

MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI), a leading manufacturer of commercial, military and law enforcement helicopters, today announced a new order for a 500E helicopter from the Metro Air Support Unit in St. Louis, Missouri. The order adds to the unit’s existing fleet of helicopters which includes three MD 500E models.

“We are excited about the newest order received from the St. Louis Metro Air Support Unit and proud of our long partnership with and support to the unit, dating back to 1985,” said Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer of MDHI. “This order adds to the more than 150 MD helicopters actively used in law enforcement missions.”

The new helicopter will provide additional ..... Read more at the following link MD Helicopters Receives New 500E Order from St. Louis Metro Air Suppor

 

[stlouisx50]

Oh goodie. More money spent in the St. Louis Metro Area. I wonder if they are going to hire more pilots?
I also wonder how many times the chopper flies and catches crime vs. does not catch crime per flight.
Flights aren't cheap by any means and am surprised to see the article. New York State cut their flights due to high costs.

They counties are all about spending money right now.

 

[qubix]

Well, I think your comparison is a little skewed. NY State helicopters did "free" medical transports in their aircraft, which demanded a flight medic to be on staff and fly. A majority of their missions were medical in nature with no income. St. Louis doesn't do medical missions. And I've often heard the ratio one airplane is equal to four road patrol cars [this was said regarding running radar from an airplane]. With the helicopter being more agile and the ability to move around the metro area and maneuver more than an airplane, I would venture to say it almost doubles that previously stated ratio.

You think it's a lot of money spent, but in fact MSHP in an attempt to reduce their vehicle gas budget will setup multiple vehicles in an area to remain stationary and wait for the airplane to give them the vehicle, and when the vehicle will pass their position.

So... that would be a cost reduction

And if your wife get's robbed downtown and they run on foot and the helicopter actually follows the suspects, and allows for apprehension.

Don't be such a downer. (Also on a side note, NYSP has 5 locations and 19 aircraft... I know for a fact they haven't reduced much of their usage because I have contacts that do dispatch in their aviation's division.... but.. Ok)

 

[SCPD]

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What an awesome aircraft. I used to work off one on powerline maintainance. I worked mostly on the Gulf coast but worked in STL once replacing aeronautical marker balls on the 138KV line that crosses the ol Miss. The 500 can cover some ground quickly and is very manuverable. They are more fuel efficient than their larger predecessors used in law enforcement. If you can keep from having 5 or more cars running all over the place in a pursuit, and keep less civilians out of harms way and reduce collateral damage, then why not......

Government wastes money in less productive ways, if thats your gripe

 

[Your_old_pal_Hal]

If I'm thinking what I heard a few years ago, this has probably been in the works for at least 6 years and is probably the result of committed UASI funds. Some of Metro Air Support's aircraft are Viet Nam vets with patches over the bullet holes. They also have spare parts from a DRMO surplus Army National Guard helicopter when something rattles off. A new aircraft would lower maintenance costs and might be more efficient. Should be a joy to fly.