Among Its Missions Will Be Transport For Governor Andrew Cuomo

The New York State Police is working on a purchase contract to acquire a "slightly used" S-76D helicopter for $12.5 million. The contract will include training for five pilots for the aircraft.

Among the missions for the twin-engine helo will be VIP transport for NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, though the agency said through a spokesman that the aircraft will not be exclusively for the Governor's use, according to The Buffalo News.

"The Sikorsky will be part of the fleet and like our other aircraft, it will be available for missions as needed, including law enforcement support, search and rescue, medevac and executive transport," said State Police spokesman Beau Duffy.

Currently, Cuomo flies on a Bell 430 on short trips, and a twin-engine airplane on longer flights.

A spokesman for the Governor's office said that Cuomo uses the state's aircraft "at the discretion of the state police. To be crystal clear, no one helicopter has been or will be assigned for this task and, besides his motorcycle, there is no such thing as a governor's chopper," said Richard Azzopardi.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.troopers.ny.gov