Aviation Services
The Aviation Services Section forms part of Field and Traffic Support Bureau and 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' aircraft typically perform, but are not limited to the following tasks:
- SAR (approximately 50% 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 (K-9, Tactical, Emergency Response, Divers etc.);
- Public demonstrations;
- Transportation of Personnel (routine transport, remote location transport);
- Prisoner escorts;
- Photography (Video, Still, FLIR, Wescam);
- High speed pursuits;
- Search and containment of escapees;
- Major events (Communication and Observation Platform);
- Regional traffic/crime initiatives; and
- Evidence searches.
History
The OPP have operated aircraft since 1974 and currently operates a fleet of three aircraft. The fleet consists of a Pilatus PC12/45 operating from a base in Thunder Bay, plus two Eurocopter S355F2R TwinStar helicopters operating from bases in Sudbury and Orillia.
The aircraft primarily operate within Ontario, although the fixed-wing aircraft can be tasked 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, with a compliment of ten pilots.
The OPP make their aircraft 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