Trouble on the Rotary Wing

The administration of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has launched an inquiry into allegations that Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) pilots misused state funds by operating aircraft for personal reasons and obtaining advanced flight training unrelated to and inconsistent with the department’s mission.

The impetus by which the inquiry was set in motion derives of two letters sent to members of the Kansas legislature by a state employee and a concerned taxpayer—the latter of whom sought anonymity for fear of retaliation by Kansas Highway Patrol officers. Subject letters alleged KHP personnel had clandestinely compiled unnecessary training and certifications, including night-vision goggle operations, more useful to aviators seeking alternate employment than those engaged in conventional highway patrol.

The letters set forth that at the alleged fraud’s nadir, 85% of KHP flights had been ascribable to pilot training rather than police activities or the authorized transport of state officials. The author of one of the letters asserted KHP officers in Topeka were “so involved in getting flight training and advanced ratings for themselves and a few other pilots that they have lost vision of what KHP aircraft’s purpose is.”

The author went on to liken KHP’s aviation unit to a “pilot training center for advanced flight ratings that are not required nor are beneficial to KHP, but they will make their resumes look good for future employment.”

The letters further alleged a KHP helicopter had been used to shuttle department personnel to restaurants in the Kansas City area. In one instance, a pilot reportedly landed a KHP helicopter in his backyard.

“Why is the helicopter being used to transport KHP pilots to obtain training that is not required by KHP policy?” the author of one letter inquired. “The helicopter has been used to transport pilots to Kansas City multiple times for this training as well as for the pilots to take written tests.”

The writer disclosed the alleged helicopter “taxi service” included multiple flights to Miami County and elsewhere in the Kansas City region for restaurant meals.

“Why is a certain pilot landing the helicopter in his backyard when out on training flights,” one of the letters submitted. “There is so much money being wasted on training and rating that is not required for most of their pilots.”

The letter stated, also, that concerns over unethical or illegal managerial practices compelled the entirety of KHP’s aviation maintenance personnel to resign.

“KHP aircraft was created and has served as a valuable asset, but the current administrators are abusing state funds for their personal gain and the personal gain of their buddies,” one of the letters’ authors surmised.

Kansas gubernatorial office spokeswoman Brianna Johnson remarked: “The governor’s office takes these allegations seriously. We are looking into them to determine their legitimacy and to ensure taxpayer funds are being used properly.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol is commanded by Colonel Herman Jones, a controversial figure and target of an intradepartmental sexual harassment complaint. Notwithstanding the Kansas State Troopers Association’s call for a change in KHP leadership, Jones affirmed in August 2022 that he would not step down.

FMI: www.usa.gov/state-government/kansas