Police Flock Ready For The Pope

Grahame Hutchison · #1 19th July 2008, 01:27 PM

I was out at Bankstown this morning to pick up a few maps and noticed that the NSW Police Air Wing had the five of their helocopters all in at the same time and lined up very nicely on their stands with tugs at the ready. I have seen three in at the same time before, but this was the first time I have seen five, no doubt in preparation for all the activity around the Pope this weekend.

Quote from the Police Air Wing web site....

The Air Wing helicopters operate with some advanced technology including: 30 million candle power Nite-sun searchlights; stabilised day/night binoculars; forward looking infrared; advanced photographic equipment; external winch and cargo hook; Digital Voice Protection secure communications; Radio Direction Finding System; and GPS (Global Positioning System) Satellite Navigation System. The Air Wing employs 30 police staff and is under the command of a Chief Inspector.

VH-PHZ, VH-PHB, VH-PHP, VH-PHW and VH-PHX all in a line ready for the weekend events involving the Pope.

VH-PHZ is a 1990 model BK117 B-2 twin with winch.

VH-PHB is a 1997 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.

VH-PHP is a 2007 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and round style FLIR.

VH-PHW is a 2006 model AS.350B2 with search light, winch and FLIR.

VH-PHx is a 1996 model AS.355N twin with search light, winch and FLIR.

Unrelated, at the other end of the airport, PEL-AIR VH-KNR was tucked into the back corner of the apron. It was
interesting to have a close up look at the 1981 model IAI 1124A with all the cabin forward of the main spar. The
cockpit is very cosy and the instrumentation layout traditional, not glass.

damien b · #2 19th July 2008, 03:30 PM

Great pics, thanks Grahame.

Nigel C · #3 19th July 2008, 07:01 PM

KNR was parked at YSSY this afternoon.

Philip Argy · #4 20th July 2008, 12:03 PM

I believe PHZ is jointly operated with NSW Fire Brigades whereas the other four are dedicated to the NSW Police Air Wing.

Nigel C · #5 20th July 2008, 01:17 PM

Citation VH-VLZ is being used as Polair 7 today and departed YSSY around 30 minutes ago.

Grant Smith · #6 20th July 2008, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip Argy

I believe PHZ is jointly operated with NSW Fire Brigades whereas the other four are dedicated to the NSW Police Air Wing.

I wonder what gave it away? Was it the NSWFB emblem next to the NSWPF emblem? Or was it the other way 'round?

Grahame Hutchison · #7 20th July 2008, 05:13 PM

You mean these two emblems ....

The way I see it, the NSW Police Focre come first, followed closely by the NSW Fire Brigades.

Only about a door in it !

Philip Argy · #8 20th July 2008, 05:49 PM

I agree they were cryptic clues, Grant, but this was more informative:
http://www.mbmaustralia.com/polair/polairinfo.htm

Jethro H · #9 21st July 2008, 11:34 AM

The BK was acquired with the assistance of a Federal grant for Counter Terrorism Operations post "9/11". The couple times I have been on board has been with a Police pilot and a Fire Brigade crewman.