NPAS News 2019
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The latest Police Aviation News is giving NPAS a hard time this month, including this little gem:
http://www.policeaviationnews.com/Ac...NMarch2019.pdf
Many rue the day West Yorkshire Police stepped up to the table and declared that they would create and
operate a National Police Air Service.
operate a National Police Air Service.
Suffolk Police finally tire of NPAS and go their own way:
https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/...ce-helicopter/
https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/...ce-helicopter/
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Suffolk Police finally tire of NPAS and go their own way:
https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/...ce-helicopter/
https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/...ce-helicopter/
The fixed wing are on their way! 
https://emergency-services.news/?p=9...3c1PiFG6z5t_m8
NPAS also confirmed that UK registration markings have been added to two of their brand new planes.
On their way may well be an over egged statement.The magic words in the official West Yorkshire Police statement are.....
‘In the months ahead, work will take place to achieve airworthiness and police operational certification before they can begin flying in support of police forces in England and Wales.
Months ahead
Achieve airworthiness
Police operational certification
None of these are positives that move things forward. The P68 is a 40 year vintage design.... it was certified years, decades, ago.... it has now effectively been decertified by recent activity..
The rumours abound that speak of massive negative variations in the performance capability that was presented to me just a couple of years ago. Climb performance, endurance, range.... who knows where the truth lies?
‘In the months ahead, work will take place to achieve airworthiness and police operational certification before they can begin flying in support of police forces in England and Wales.
Months ahead
Achieve airworthiness
Police operational certification
None of these are positives that move things forward. The P68 is a 40 year vintage design.... it was certified years, decades, ago.... it has now effectively been decertified by recent activity..
The rumours abound that speak of massive negative variations in the performance capability that was presented to me just a couple of years ago. Climb performance, endurance, range.... who knows where the truth lies?
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Given that delivery was due, if memory serves me well, in June 2017 with the base at Doncaster and some staff sat waiting for the aircraft at that time, this could hardly be described as moving forward at a blistering pace.
Was down Somerset way last week on a short break with Mrs MG when NPAS turned up a short distance away while we were out walking, and started a search. Our route took us closer until it was overhead. We came upon a couple of bobbies, one of which was a Sgt who looked like he'd done a few years.
We talked about what was going on, a missing person, and ,of course, I mentioned that used to do the job. I then added, "Before NPAS", and we both rolled our eyes. 
We talked about what was going on, a missing person, and ,of course, I mentioned that used to do the job. I then added, "Before NPAS", and we both rolled our eyes.
I know its unusual for me...... but a slightly positive slant of NPAS and what they now do.
Recently at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam I ran an annual aviation event. During the proceedings the Netherlands Police gave details of their operations which are rightly seen as first class.
What was clear from the numbers presented though was that the Dutch fly far less than NPAS and that the police and public expectation was at a level far below that NPAS inherited.
All I can say is that I hope that the NPAS management do not have a desire to reduce their service to the level of many air units on the European mainland.
Recently at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam I ran an annual aviation event. During the proceedings the Netherlands Police gave details of their operations which are rightly seen as first class.
What was clear from the numbers presented though was that the Dutch fly far less than NPAS and that the police and public expectation was at a level far below that NPAS inherited.
All I can say is that I hope that the NPAS management do not have a desire to reduce their service to the level of many air units on the European mainland.
PANews,
donˋt know the dutch numbers - or the belgian or france numbers,
but there are police squadrons around at the mainland, which are really busy....
There are nights, where I ˋm looking forward to tell operations, that we finally need some fuel.....
Draining, refueling and straightening the back and off we go again....
donˋt know the dutch numbers - or the belgian or france numbers,
but there are police squadrons around at the mainland, which are really busy....
There are nights, where I ˋm looking forward to tell operations, that we finally need some fuel.....
Draining, refueling and straightening the back and off we go again....
Avoid imitations
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PANews,
The thing is, the UK already had in place an effective police aviation system, albeit in a piecemeal fashion. We all realised that a national setup ought to be able to benefit from economies of scale, using fewer helicopter types which could result in more readily available spare airframes and suitably trained pilots because they would be on the same type rating.
NPAS were tasked with saving public money - most of us welcomed this... IF it were done effectively. They initially declared that they would pull that extra rabbit of an improved service out of the same hat in the process. Unfortunately, only a miracle would have allowed an improved service whilst at the same time slashing and burning assets to the extent that took place. Unsurprisingly the fish and loaves trick failed to work.
Subsequent events have resulted in what can only be described as a huge waste of money and a major reduction in aircraft availability. The trouble is, NPAS has now gone so badly wrong that it is difficult to imagine if and when it will ever truly achieve either of its declared aims - without the smoke and mirrors!
The thing is, the UK already had in place an effective police aviation system, albeit in a piecemeal fashion. We all realised that a national setup ought to be able to benefit from economies of scale, using fewer helicopter types which could result in more readily available spare airframes and suitably trained pilots because they would be on the same type rating.
NPAS were tasked with saving public money - most of us welcomed this... IF it were done effectively. They initially declared that they would pull that extra rabbit of an improved service out of the same hat in the process. Unfortunately, only a miracle would have allowed an improved service whilst at the same time slashing and burning assets to the extent that took place. Unsurprisingly the fish and loaves trick failed to work.
Subsequent events have resulted in what can only be described as a huge waste of money and a major reduction in aircraft availability. The trouble is, NPAS has now gone so badly wrong that it is difficult to imagine if and when it will ever truly achieve either of its declared aims - without the smoke and mirrors!
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I know that there have been many suggestions over the years of combining government aviation services in the UK but has been regarded as ‘too difficult’.
Whilst NPAS continues to suffer, is this being considered for the next UK SAR contract? (Albeit not due until 2023). There would appear to be many potential benefits of having a combined force, but I’d imagine the challenges to make it so would be significant.
Whilst NPAS continues to suffer, is this being considered for the next UK SAR contract? (Albeit not due until 2023). There would appear to be many potential benefits of having a combined force, but I’d imagine the challenges to make it so would be significant.
Police and SAR are two very different theatres of flying. If you are talking about combining real estate then this might not be ideal where half your ROA are fish if coastal location is favoured for SAR
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ShyTorque
I couldn’t agree more , The Smoke and Mirrors ( Blowing Smoke ) attitude is never going to change ! , but as the old saying goes ( If you can’t change the people.....CHANGE THE PEOPLE ) and evening thinking about Combining SAR into the mix!!!!!!! , let’s get NPAS some where right before even thinking about that , one does wonder sometimes.
I couldn’t agree more , The Smoke and Mirrors ( Blowing Smoke ) attitude is never going to change ! , but as the old saying goes ( If you can’t change the people.....CHANGE THE PEOPLE ) and evening thinking about Combining SAR into the mix!!!!!!! , let’s get NPAS some where right before even thinking about that , one does wonder sometimes.
Not exactly Rotorheads, but for what it is worth, the final two P68 fixed wing arrived at Doncaster a few days ago.
Presumably now they will have to ramp up the pilots and TFOs to an operational level [more cost!] to cover 24/7.
My information is that it should be around 8 pilots and 8 TFOs to fly just two of the four aircraft. Have they got that many?
Presumably now they will have to ramp up the pilots and TFOs to an operational level [more cost!] to cover 24/7.
My information is that it should be around 8 pilots and 8 TFOs to fly just two of the four aircraft. Have they got that many?
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New NPAS maintenance contract.
New 5 year maintenance contract due to start October 2019. Wonder how much the tender was, as Steph didn't mention it?
https://www.helis.com/database/news/...t-maintenance/
https://www.helis.com/database/news/...t-maintenance/
