Port Authority to eliminate Aviation Unit

[JHNA57]

I have not found anything about this in print yet, but I heard on WCBS 880 that the Port Authority was going to get rid of its two helicopters. The report said it would save them 4 million dollars a year in operating costs, and they would sell the copters for 8 million.

[njgtr82]

Unfortunately this is true
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/0 ... copte.html (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/07/port_authority_sells_helicopte.html)

[lijk604]

Good luck getting the 8mil for the two copters. I'm sure those are high time birds, for their manufacture date, and unless they already have an 8mil offer on the table, these economic times will not support that figure.

[coachrowsey]

Just my o2, but I think this is the wrong thing to do.

[Matt Molnar]

NYCAviation:

Port Authority Grounds its Police Helicopters (http://nycaviation.com/2010/07/17/port-authority-grounds-its-helicopters/)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates all three of the New York City-area's major airports, among other major transportation properties, has grounded its fleet of two helicopters, citing cost concerns and a lack of usefulness.

[Matt Molnar]

Odd coincidence, a couple weeks ago I saw one fly by my house enroute to LGA and thought to myself, "Do they really need those things? What do they use them for?"

[moose135]

Odd coincidence, a couple weeks ago I saw one fly by my house enroute to LGA and thought to myself, "Do they really need those things? What do they use them for?"
I was just going to ask the same question...

[PhilDernerJr]

The only thing I've seen them do is:

- An occasional lap around LGA

- Roll around during LGA Kids Day

- Hover over me for 20 minutes while I'm spotting

Not worth millions of dollars.

[Matt Molnar]

I'm sure those are high time birds, for their manufacture date, and unless they already have an 8mil offer on the table, these economic times will not support that figure.
One was delivered in 1984. Not sure about the other one. They appear to have some fancy "Homeland Security" gear on them, whatever that's worth.

[emshighway]

I'm sure those are high time birds, for their manufacture date, and unless they already have an 8mil offer on the table, these economic times will not support that figure.
One was delivered in 1984. Not sure about the other one. They appear to have some fancy "Homeland Security" gear on them, whatever that's worth.

A FLIR camera isn't fancy homeland security gear and is actually old technology. I haven't seen them being useful.

[JHNA57]

I'm sure those are high time birds, for their manufacture date, and unless they already have an 8mil offer on the table, these economic times will not support that figure

That $8 mil figure I quoted in the original post was from the first radio report I heard of this event. At that point it was fresh news and I'm sure all the facts were'nt yet verified.

[Gerard]

I'm sure those are high time birds, for their manufacture date, and unless they already have an 8mil offer on the table, these economic times will not support that figure.
One was delivered in 1984. Not sure about the other one. They appear to have some fancy "Homeland Security" gear on them, whatever that's worth.

A FLIR camera isn't fancy homeland security gear and is actually old technology. I haven't seen them being useful.

Actually I have seen the FLIRs being useful in LE helicopters and is pretty essential equipment in public safety rotorcraft
along with SAR copters like the USCG.
Not sure what the PA copters used them for. I guess this means added duties for NYPD helicopters and NJSPD ships.
Does Newark PD still fly their copters?

[njgtr82]

Does Newark PD still fly their copters?

Not as much as they did just 2 years ago but yes. Based at MMU

[Gerard]

Does Newark PD still fly their copters?

Not as much as they did just 2 years ago but yes. Based at MMU

Thanks.

[emshighway]

A FLIR camera isn't fancy homeland security gear and is actually old technology. I haven't seen them being useful.

Actually I have seen the FLIRs being useful in LE helicopters and is pretty essential equipment in public safety rotorcraft
along with SAR copters like the USCG.
Not sure what the PA copters used them for. I guess this means added duties for NYPD helicopters and NJSPD ships.
Does Newark PD still fly their copters?

Yea, I meant on the PAPD Chopper. Not much need for FLIR when you are jockeying the PANYNJ Director around.

[Gerard]

Check this out:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/201 ... ydock.html (http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/07/25/2010-07-25_you_call_this_a_patrol_boat_broken_moose_boats_ left_broken_or_stuck_in_drydock.html)

[Gerard]

Looks like the Daily News did a whole expose on the PAPD copters.......

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/08/08/2010-08-08_port_authority_used_costly_helicopters_for_friv olous_trips_and_other_nonemergenc.html

[cancidas]

...they revealed they were paying three full-time copter pilots $289,336, including overtime...hot damn! where do i find a helo job like that?

[Gerard]

I have not found anything about this in print yet, but I heard on WCBS 880 that the Port Authority was going to get rid of its two helicopters. The report said it would save them 4 million dollars a year in operating costs, and they would sell the copters for 8 million.

PAPD has history behind them. Flying for almost 61 years!!

http://www.signal8-2.com/asucloud.htm

[AirtrafficController]

I have seen them do "daily" inspections of LGA Airport around mid-morning. Occasionally I would see them outside my window flying north or south over Middle Village.

[hiss srq]

This reporter is a moron... I sent him an email... The spin that paper puts on anything that is above their pay grade or class statures is stupid..

[Mateo]

I haven't seen them being useful.Pretty much sums up the entire PAPD right there.

[hiss srq]

Err...... Mateo... Check youur comment there cheif....