Links

Wx: Radar:
http://adds.aviationweather.gov/radar/

Adds Metar Java Tool:
http://adds.aviationweather.gov/metars/java/

http://www.airnav.com/

http://www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/

Satellite Images
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/
http://www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/satellite/

Charts:
http://skyvector.com/

FAA TFR Map
http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/reg/scale4/tile_8_3.html

NOTAMS Service
https://www.notams.jcs.mil/

DUAT
https://www.duat.com/

Flight Tracker - Boston
http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KBOS

Personnel

Crews for the Air Wing are selected from within the sworn ranks of the Massachusetts State Police. Presently, the unit consists of approximately 21 Pilots and Tactical Flight Officers. Each Aircraft has a minimum crew of two, One Aircraft Commander (Pilot) and at least one Tactical Flight Officer (TFO). Each crew member is assigned specific duties; however all crew can pilot the aircraft in the event of an emergency. An additional TFO may be added for particularly difficult missions

Each crew member is equipped with flight gear, helmet and personal survival vest with flotation collar, integrated load bearing harness, emergency breathing device, and (NVG) Night Vision Goggles.

Flying greater than 2000 flight hours annually requires the expertise of four dedicated civilian technicians that comprise the unit's maintenance staff. These outstanding support team members are the unsung heroes of the unit that keep the fleet of aircraft mission ready and capable to respond whenever the need arises.

Aircraft

The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing maintains a fleet of five turbine helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft. The primary aircraft is the Eurocopter As-355N Twinstar, a twin engine, multipurpose helicopter that possesses a reconfigurable cabin design, redundant hydraulic & electrical systems, and an external cargo hook. Each of these aircraft are also equipped with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera system, GPS synchronized mapping, interoperable communications equipment, and a digital video downlink system that together creates a versatile aerial platform.

Airbases

Lawrence Air Base (LWM)
978.686.9464 Fax: 978.685.7510
Plymouth Air Base (PYM)
508.988.7100 Fax: 508.866.6853
Westover Air Base (CEF)
413.378.1200 Fax: 413.378.1301

Massachusetts State Police - Air Wing

Massachusetts State Police

Air Wing

The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing has provided the Commonwealth with airborne support for over three decades.

It is the largest and most comprehensive full time public safety aviation unit in New England. Aircrews stand ready to respond from three strategically located Air Bases within the state.

Mission

Aircrews are routinely called to work in collaboration with State and Local Incident Commanders to search for wanted, missing, or endangered persons, to conduct airborne incident and scene assessment, aerial photography, or investigative support and surveillance.

Utilizing specialized on board equipment the aircrew can provide on-scene Incident commanders with real time video imagery. Electronic tracking equipment makes the aircraft a key player in the recovery of stolen vehicles and when responding to emergency locate transmitters (ELT) from downed aircraft or individuals in distress.

Homeland Security

The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing plans extensively with Federal, State, and Local agencies to integrate the interoperable capabilities of the aircraft in to the State's Homeland Security Initiatives. One such initiative is the preparation for aircraft to assist on the rapid transport or priority assets and materials between locations within the New England area, a critical function in the event of a real world disaster or incident response. Aircrews routinely conduct overflight patrols to ensure the security of the Commonwealths infrastructure and critical resources when not directly engaged in the support of a specific event