Aviation Services
Part of Field Support Bureau, the Aviation Services Section is responsible for the operation, maintenance and control of the OPP helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Our mandate is to provide effective aviation-based support, through a commitment to excellence and efficiency in the delivery of law enforcement services, throughout the Province of Ontario.
Mission Profile
Aviation Services typically perform, but are not limited to, the following tasks:
- Search and Rescue (SAR) - approximately 65 per cent of all helicopter missions are of a search and rescue nature;
- Surveillance (electronic, video, thermal imaging, visual);
- Drug eradication (visual, thermal imaging);
- Support of Specialized Units (Canine, Tactical, Emergency Response, Underwater Search and Recovery etc.,);
- Support during public demonstrations;
- Transportation of Personnel (routine transport, remote location transport);
- Prisoner escorts;
- Photography (Video, Still, FLIR, Wescam);
- Suspect apprehension pursuits;
- Search and containment of escapees;
- Major events (providing a communication and observation platform);
- Regional traffic/crime initiatives;
- Evidence searches; and
- Aerial Enforcement Program (Highway Safety Division).
History
The OPP has owned and operated airplanes and helicopters since 1974; currently
we maintain four aircraft. The fleet consists of a Pilatus PC12/45, operating
from a base in Thunder Bay; a Cessna 206, operating
from a base in Orillia; plus two Eurocopter EC135P2+
helicopters, operating from bases in Sudbury and
Orillia.
The aircraft primarily operate within Ontario
although the fixed-wing aircraft can be assigned to missions anywhere within North America. Additional aircraft are leased on an "as-needed"
basis. The OPP fleet accrues approximately 2500 - 3000 hours of flight time
annually.
The OPP makes aircraft services available to all other police services
and government agencies within the province
of Ontario, on a priority
basis.
This site is maintained by the Government of Ontario