Durham Region Cop Chopper

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:28 am

Does anyone know if there's any laws about shining a light back up at the heliowinger who's got the sun mounted on the bird and loves to shine it down on you?

Or using a mirror maybe?

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:44 am

Good post Griffon! That thing has been pissing me off royally! I am just about ready to head to the cop shop and complain. What a complete waste of money too. If you want to rob someone, do it when it is 500 overcast and a mile. The thing only seems to fly when it is a clear night anyway!

I wouldn't shine a light back up bud, I know it is tempting but there are laws against that.

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:04 am

You're in Durham too, are you?
Nice to know I'm not the only one... I was hoping the bugger who fly's that thing might happen by here.... In the little town I'm in, I can understand they'd be lighting up the store once in a while, but you'd swear they're looking for naked ladies in back yards sometimes!

Sasquash · Post by **Sasquash** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:07 am

Pindunder is right, a search of the CARs shows that:

Projection of Directed Bright Light Source at an Aircraft

601.20 Subject to section 601.21, no person shall project or cause to be projected a bright light source into navigable airspace in such a manner as to create a hazard to aviation safety or cause damage to an aircraft or injury to persons on board the aircraft.
(amended 2002/06/01; previous version)

So, unless somebody at TC says it's ok, ( in writing please and thank you) then this one is no-joy. On the other hand, the chopper coper is allowed to use the night sun, since it's there to ensure public peace ultimately. Just one of them things...

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:17 am

Thanks Sasquatch... That's good to know.... I guess I'll have to be happy with waving my private parts at his aunty... or farting in his general direction...

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:19 am

Ya Griffon...............it becomes an invasion of privacy as well as a waste of tax dollars. Maybe you and I should get together and organise a proper complaint. I have been tempted to video this guy. Sometimes it is like being visited by a god damned UFO!

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:01 am

I don't think I wanna complain about it officially... I wouldn't mind letting them know it's annoying, somehow... but I'd feel like a prick lodging an official complaint about any airborne activities. I like flying machines... it's just that damn light!

3Green · Post by **3Green** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:17 am

Chances are probably pretty good that one of the fellas frequents this site. I know one of 'em used to fly the bandit's (out of YOO I think) years ago.

gryphon · Post by **gryphon** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 10:24 am

I have no doubt it's annoying, but......
As soon as something happens (ie crime) and it's not there, they will be criticized. Basically they're damned if they do, damned if they don't. So might as well do.

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 11:29 am

Ya but it only flies when it is severe clear! Anyone can figure out that if they don't want to get caught by the thing, just wait till its cloudy!

Sasquash · Post by **Sasquash** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 4:33 pm

Pindunder;

aaaaah..., I wouldn't plan too much when the Wx is a low broken ceiling or overcast. Without saying too much, been there done that, but with fixed wings, and you might be surprised at the crap we flew into at times. Even with low ceiling vertiical viz worked to our advantage at lot of times and we got the bad guys, 'nuf said....

N2 · Post by N2 » Fri Oct 29, 2004 7:40 pm

3 green are you talking about RR?

LT · Post by LT » Fri Oct 29, 2004 11:54 pm

A. That Chopper has mad several "discoveries" and been in the paper dozens of times in regards to pot growers in the fields..

B. It flies over the highway and calls in the traffic "accidents", or so it would seem. When I was heading home one night it was hovering over an accident.

C. I've seen it hover over the ride program, I guess it makes sure nobody decides to "change their mind" about the exit ramp.

It really bothers me too. BUT. I do appreciate that Heli. I do believe it's well worth my tax dollars....

That stupid Copter covers more ground, it spots the irratic and speeding drivers, it spots the cluster of punks.

It's a good Hub, that has a birds eye view of the region and can dispatch cars to "hot" spots....

Wait till we get our Red Light Cameras.. You tell me what will bother you more..

PS. I've had jack asses do orbits around my house numerous times, atleast this guy is doing his job. The morons flying 500 agl over my house should be shot(and I've gone inside once for my bb-gun, but the bloke managed to leave in time)

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 7:08 am

Some good points LT, and overall, I figure it's worth the tax dollars too.

But that 500 ft orbit does indeed get particularly annoying when the kids are sleeping, and that light is on. If they're looking for bad guys they know are around someplace, great, I'll live with that... or if they're just making sure anyone thinking of any nasty stuff for the few businesses in the middle of town don't get the feeling it'll be an easy feat... that's cool too...

It's the back yard illumination, on what they might call their "routine patrol" that seems pretty unwarranted to me. ...and can be very annoying.

Anyway, now they've got an official, tested in court, approval for the use of the infrared (was on last nights news) to look at houses for hot spots, to get all those ultra bad ass dudes who grow that killer weed indoors... so maybe they'll be turning off the sun a little more often?

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 3:42 pm

I was talking with my buddy from Canadian Helicopters today. Turns out I do know one of the guys flying the machine. He used to fly the 76 for CHC.

That frickin night sun is supposed to act as a deterant but it is still like having big brother watching through my window at night. Now they are getting infra red? What is this for, so they can watch me bang the wife?

All this money for catchin a guy growing weed. I think the ones smokin it are on city council! "Get goin....get growin....call 1 800 I smoke dope"

Apparently York region has one too, so did Halton and Toronto but they determined it to be a waste of money and canned the projects.

LT · Post by LT » Sat Oct 30, 2004 3:51 pm

Apparently York region has one too, so did Halton and Toronto but they determined it to be a waste of money and canned the projects.

I didn't know of York.

Peel has one too.

As for Toronto.. Wasn't Fantino "for it" but the city didn't want to give the funds for it??

Secondly, isn't Toronto the only city that lets homeless people to loiter in front of City Hall??

Isn't Toronto the city with all the pot holes? Isn't the DVP blocked every morning and that was before the construction.

Isn't that the city that has one of the poorest run Public Transport lines in the world??

Isn't that the city that buys 1000 computers for 180 million dollars?

Oh, yeah.. Toronto.. ROFL. what a stink hole.

Where would a Toronto helicopter be based?? City Centre?? Umm, the Island they're trying to close?? You do see why they can not get a helicopter.

It might have been a million dollar "committee" that decided to sink the project, but I assure you, no studies or projects were ever done. That money was wasted on wine and dine.

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 4:00 pm

LT where have you been hiding man? As for your comments about loitering in front of city hall, I have to ask whether or not you have ever been to Vancouver?

As far as the Toronto helicopter program, they actually had 2 of them flying. Nothing to do with Fantino. CHC had the contract. It was my buddy you signed the deal with them. Yes they were based in YTZ along with the 3 Sikorski 76s' that are based there.

LT · Post by LT » Sat Oct 30, 2004 4:09 pm

I don't blame you for not liking Toronto but maybe you should take another toke and chill.

ever been to Vancouver?

We can play the point the finger and blame game all day. But lets try to keep this thread civil and continue on topic.

The Durham Cop-ter.

Jet Dog · Post by **Jet Dog** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 5:20 pm

Jeep, I think u lack the capabilities of understanding infra-red, it can not see thru ppl's houses, to see them "bang" their spouse. Also u and Griffin seem quite distrubed by a crime deterrant force, almost as if you guys have something to hide perhaps??(one infra-red use is for pot detection in homes and fields) I for one gladly welcome a police heli., even if it shines a light in my backyard (which happens), least then I can look out to see the perp's in my bushs, plus it adds to a security factor. Noise doesn't bother me at all, I've been around airports plenty of times, perhaps you 2 should check out your local airport for a while, and soon discover a heli isn't soo noisey after all. As far as I know, only criminals and pot heads fear this type of police force!

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 9:26 pm

Being sarcastic about infra red. Everyone has an opinion, I just don't like the noise of a copter buzzing around the hood all night long lighting up my back yard. Thats it, thats all.

Would like to see some hard facts and numbers. Would be willing to bet that there has not been a significant drop in crime just because a copter flies around at night when it is CAVOK.

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 7:27 am

Jet Dog wrote:Jeep, I think u lack the capabilities of understanding infra-red, it can not see thru ppl's houses, to see them "bang" their spouse. Also u and Griffin seem quite distrubed by a crime deterrant force, almost as if you guys have something to hide perhaps??(one infra-red use is for pot detection in homes and fields) I for one gladly welcome a police heli., even if it shines a light in my backyard (which happens), least then I can look out to see the perp's in my bushs, plus it adds to a security factor. Noise doesn't bother me at all, I've been around airports plenty of times, perhaps you 2 should check out your local airport for a while, and soon discover a heli isn't soo noisey after all. As far as I know, only criminals and pot heads fear this type of police force!

Krikey, picking holes in that post could get to be real fun!

...but I'll try to tame most of my damn-I-should-be-sleeping-grumpiness.

Tell you what "Jet Dog"... you carry on hanging out at your local neighborhood airports and welcoming the copper copter all you like...
I like airplanes of all kinds, including the fling wing types, but not when they become annoying... I don't think I could fairly be described as being "quite distrubed"

by the cop's presence, and it's certainly not "fear" ...interesting presumption though? I have a neighbor that's a cop in fact... he's fine... he drives a car... if he was hovering over town all the time with his light flashing all over the place, I'd be annoyed at him though.

Also, the town I live in isn't populated with "perps" in the bushes. We have people as our neighbors, and there might be dogs, cats, racoons, squirrels, birds, coyotes, foxes or other critters in the bushes I suppose... but there's not much use in lighting them up with that damn sun!

Oh ya... what with all these pleasantries we're exchanging here, I almost forgot: that's "Griffon" .... nice to meet you.

Longtimer · Post by **Longtimer** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 10:04 am

Calgary has two and here is what they use them for.

The helicopter is a McDonnell Douglas MD520 NOTAR. This four-seat model has no tail rotor, which makes it one of the quietest helicopters in the world and can fly for up to two hours without refueling. Following is a list of some of its equipment and special tools.
An Allison 250-C20R gas turbine engine rated at 450 SHP
Able to fly at a top speed of 300 km/h (187 mph), HAWC1 can cross the entire city in only three minutes.
It has a load capacity of 1027 kg (2264 lbs.).
The Nightsun - a Spectrolab SX16 searchlight with adjustable focus
The 30 million-candlepower light can illuminate an area the size of a baseball diamond and can focus on openings as small as a window.
Wescam 16DS infrared camera
The searchlight has a visual range capacity 30 times stronger than a ground unit.
A Wescam 16DS infrared camera
The camera is used to detect objects or people hiding in the dark and can detect traces of heat, such as hot spots in a fire or footprints in the snow.
A Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) mapping and address system
This GPS technology allows the flight crew to pinpoint any location within seconds.
Advanced avionics and radio equipment
A dual-cone public address and siren system
A cargo hook
The "Bambi" bucket water drop system

HAWC1 - the ultimate law enforcement tool
The Calgary Police Service helicopter has proven to be an asset to the community and an efficient tool for law enforcement and crime prevention. Exactly, how does HAWC1 contribute to community safety?
HAWC1 can respond to calls quickly, averaging only 90 seconds to get to any location.
Using its searchlight, HAWC1 can spot and follow fleeing suspects.
Flight officers can relay information to officers on the ground.
Just the sight of the helicopter or its searchlight causes suspects to hide rather than run, making it easy for police dogs to track suspects.
In many cases, suspects give up as soon as they see the searchlight.
Once HAWC1 is on the scene of a vehicle pursuit, it is extremely difficult for offenders to avoid being caught.
HAWC1 can engage in high-speed pursuits with little risk to officers or the public.
Regular patrolling in 'high-crime' areas has resulted in significant reduction of criminal offences.
HAWC1 can identify or respond to emergencies, such as:
traffic collisions involving injuries
aircraft accidents
hazardous material spills
fires
HAWC1 can assist in search and rescue efforts, and can accomplish a search in one-fifteenth the time of a ground search.
The Air Services Unit assists the Calgary Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services by:
spotting accidents
lighting accident scenes
finding accident victims who have been thrown from their vehicle
spotting potential blazes
dumping chemicals or water from a drop bucket.

Pindunder Jeep · Post by **Pindunder Jeep** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 5:46 pm

Hi Longtimer

I saw one of those Notars in Calgary during a layover there. The Notar is a nice machine.

The one noticeable difference between the Calgary birds and the Durham machine is that they don't spend the night hovering outside my hotel window, lighting up my room like Hiroshima.

rotorfloat · Post by **rotorfloat** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:20 pm

One of my friends flew York's EC120 before the contract changed hands. He said there was hundreds of idiots out there firing lasers up at them everynight. Buying visors was useless because one visor will only block a specific wavelength. He was thankful that they flew 2-crew so the other could take over when one was blinded.

There is ways to fly helicopters quiter, more 'neighbour friendly', but the noisiest thing on any of them is the tail rotor. Any city who wants to avoid bad PR on their police heli service would best decide on a NOTAR or fenestron design.

jimdandy · Post by **jimdandy** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:33 pm

Hey PJeep, If u tried staying in a hotel other than the Royal, or Dy-nASTY, u may not have that problem-

They other thing is, they fly when it is at mins all of the time.