Several Incidents Prompt Notice From LA Law Enforcement

The Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) has distributed a notice to helicopter operators in the state detailing what it describes as "suspicious" activity around airports and leasing facilities. It also notes helicopters engaged in behavior it considers unusual.

On January 21st, there was a report of a suspicious flyover at Jonesville Lock & Dam in Jonesville, LA. The report indicates that the operator on duty heard a noise and observed a helicopter hovering directly over the lock and dam. Operator on duty states that all he saw was a small flashing green light on the helicopter and estimates that the helicopter, which was about the size of a civilian medical transport type helicopter, was hovering approximately 25 to 30 feet over the lock and dam for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The following day, a "suspicious individual" inquired about a helicopter rental at the British Petroleum (BP)/Petroleum Helicopters Inc (PHI) Heliport in Houma, LA. Security personnel were advised that the individual was inquiring about helicopter rentals. When security personnel asked for identification and the individual refused and departed in a new model black Chevrolet Impala.

On January 23rd and 24th, individuals were noted watching a helicopter leasing facility at Mouton Cove South near Abbeville, LA. A similar event occurred at Watercraft Leasing in Broussard, LA on the 28th. According to information that was received, security personnel discovered two male subjects observing the helicopters from outside the fence. When security approached, the subjects evaded by driving through a grassy area and back onto the road.

LA-SAFE has also received a suspicious activity report regarding a helicopter flying over a port facility in Orange, TX on January 22nd. The report  indicates that the helicopter flew over the facility twice.

LA-SAFE says helicopter operators can assist in determining the level of threat that exists by maintaining awareness, and gathering pertinent information such as license plate information, aircraft tail numbers, and descriptions of vehicles or persons and reporting them to local law enforcement.

FMI: www.lsp.org/iss.html