A NEW police helicopter on the Gold Coast will not be given extra flying time despite concerns its predecessor spent too much time on the ground.
Premier Campbell Newman and Police Minister Jack Dempsey at the official launch of the replacement QPS helicopter on the Gold Coast
Premier Campbell Newman, Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart officially launched the chopper yesterday. But Mr Stewart ruled out extra flying time for the aircraft due to funding restrictions.
Yesterday, Mr Stewart said he would love to have the new helicopter, PolAir One, in the air longer ''but there's never a bottomless pit (of money)''.
"The idea is to use intelligence-based hours to get the best value out of this aircraft,'' he said.
Mr Stewart said the State Government planned to introduce a second police helicopter in 2014-15.