U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Resource: Law Enforcement Observation Aircraft (Fixed-Wing)
Category: Law Enforcement/Security
Kind: Aircraft
Minimum Capabilities (Component) Minimum Capabilities
(Metric)		 Type I Type II Type III Type IV Other
Vehicle Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Observation Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Observation Aircraft - Low and Slow

 

 

  
  Capacity

2-4 passenger with cargo not to exceed design specifications of aircraft

2-4 passenger with cargo not to exceed design specifications of aircraft

 

 

  
Equipment Flight Suit

Appropriate level of PPE

Appropriate level of PPE

 

 

  
  Video/Electronic

Microwave Downlink Video; FLIR

 

 

 

  
  Radios

VHF Radios; Police Frequency Radios

VHF Radios; Police Frequency Radios

 

 

  
Personnel  

Pilot–Commercial or higher, ASEL, pilot license w/Class I or II Medical, full-time assignment to unit

TFO–Complete unit level training program, law enforcement trained

Pilot–Commercial or higher, ASEL, pilot license w/Class I or II Medical, full-time assignment to unit

TFO–Complete unit-level training program, law enforcement trained

 

 

  
Training  

Pilot–Commercial Pilots Certification or higher (instrument rated), updated every 6 months with Emergency Procedures as well as meet all FAA license requirements; Current Medical Flight Review (FAA)

TFO–Unit-level training & Law Enforcement AOT

Pilot–Commercial Pilots Certification or higher (instrument rated), updated every 6 months with Emergency Procedures as well as meet all FAA license requirements; Current Medical Flight Review (FAA)

TFO–Unit level training & Law Enforcement AOT

 

 

  

Comments:

Type I–Fixed-Wing Aircraft with advanced observation capabilities for extended operations and nighttime use. Capable of sending video images to ground location (downlinking). Low and slow observation ability. General law enforcement type of fixed wing.

Type II–Fixed-Wing Aircraft with observation capabilities for extended operations, low and slow observation ability. General law enforcement type or fixed-wing.

Definitions
AOT Advanced Officer Training
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
TFO Tactical Flight Officer
VHF Very High Frequency

National Mutual Aid & Resource Management Initiative
Law Enforcement