Other Aircraft Idled By Budget Cuts

In October of last year, the Tulsa police department found their aviation department, which consists of two helicopters, grounded by budget cuts. The city council didn't think very highly of the city's budget situation, and in July, they unanimously overturned the Mayor's veto on the budget, which restored just over $226,000 to get the two aircraft back in the air.

Bell 206 File Photo

But in the interim, mechanical problems developed. The 2003 Bell 206 owned by Tulsa is still grounded while the city looks at the cost of getting it flying again. And now, the newer, 2007 Bell, has developed a leaking seal between the engine and the transmission. A definite red-flag item.

Tulsa Police Captain Johathan Brooks said this is exactly why they need to have both aircraft operational, so that one can be flying should the other require maintenance. "It's crucial to maintain helicopters," Brooks told Tulsa World. "Sometimes unexpected things happen."

Isn't that the truth.

Brooks said they hope to have the one helicopter available to them flying again in two days. He said the department had once again come to rely on the helos for support of officers on the ground.

FMI: www.tulsapolice.org