Mon, Jul 16, 2012

Bell Helicopter Delivers Model 429 To Fairfax County Police Department

Second Of The Type For The FCPD

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is the owner of a new Bell 429 helicopter following the aircraft's delivery Tuesday. FCPD’s second multi-role Bell 429 is configured for both law enforcement and emergency medical service operations.

“We rely on the power, speed, size and accessibility of the cabin, and the exceptional maneuverability that the 429 delivers during police operations,” said Paul Schaaf, chief pilot for the FCPD. “Our law enforcement operations include responses to car chases, robberies, missing persons, burglaries, and car theft. We are the eye in the sky to help the officers on the ground. We have to be ready 24/7 and we get off the ground quickly in the 429,” Schaaf added.

The FCPD’s aviation unit received its first Bell 429 in December of 2011 and has since logged 600 flight hours and executed 900 missions in an effort to protect the 1.2 million people who reside in Fairfax County. FCPD’s 429 helicopters are configured for law enforcement operations and emergency medical service. In seven months, the FCPD’s first 429 helicopter performed 40 medical evacuations and directly assisted in 34 arrests.

“We are proud to be a part of the Fairfax County Police Department’s aviation unit,” said Danny Maldonado, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Bell Helicopter. “The Bell 429 is an ideal aircraft for law enforcement missions; it is one of the most advanced light twin helicopters ever developed. It’s safe, reliable and powerful with exceptional speed, range and hover performance. We are honored to have the Fairfax County Police Department performing their missions in Bell 429s,” added Maldonado.