British Police Force: Helicopter Pilots Question

Question

To be in the police as a helicopter pilot are there selected people who wish to be part of the air support from the police or are pilots just chosen as they can fly then trained in how the police want you to operate?

Answer 1

Police helicopter pilots are almost always ex military pilots who would require far less training than say a commercial pilot.

Answer 2

In order to become a Police Air Observer, police officers first submit their written application, following this they are required to undertake a series of rigorous tests. These are designed to determine if the officer possesses the basic skills required in the role. If they are successful and pass these stages, they then take part in a formal interview; this then leads to officers being selected for the National Air Observers Course. These courses are held at the Air Support Unit over a two week period.

During the course potential observers are instructed in all aspects of police aviation, including navigation. At the end of the course each officer is required to complete a “Line Check”. If they are successful they are then attached to the unit for a twelve week period where they build on the basic skills. Further “Line Checks” are taken at 6 and 12 weeks. To be successful candidates will need to demonstrate their map reading skills together with the ability to multi-task.

Once the final line check is successfully completed the candidate becomes a Police Air Observer and is stationed at the Air Support Unit.