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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.
Unfortunately this is true
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/0 ... copte.html
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.
Just my o2, but I think this is the wrong thing to do.
NYCAviation:
Quote:
Port Authority Grounds its Police 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.
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...Quote:
Originally Posted by GothamSpotter
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by lijk604
A FLIR camera isn't fancy homeland security gear and is actually old technology. I haven't seen them being useful.Quote:
Originally Posted by GothamSpotter
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.Quote:
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
Actually I have seen the FLIRs being useful in LE helicopters and is pretty essential equipment in public safety rotorcraftQuote:
Originally Posted by emshighway
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?
Not as much as they did just 2 years ago but yes. Based at MMUQuote:
Originally Posted by Gerard
Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by njgtr82
Yea, I meant on the PAPD Chopper. Not much need for FLIR when you are jockeying the PANYNJ Director around.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerard