The Austin Police Department (APD) operates an Air Support Unit staffed by personnel who serve as both pilots and tactical flight officers. This dual-role approach enables the unit to support patrol operations, conduct search and rescue missions, and assist in firefighting efforts.
While the exact establishment date of APD’s aviation unit is unclear, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) began its Aircraft Operations Division in 1949, with an aircraft based in Austin.
The APD Air Support Unit currently operates a fleet of helicopters tailored to various missions. This includes two Airbus AS350B3 helicopters—acquired in 2013 and 2023—used for patrol, rescue, and firefighting, as well as a Bell 206B3 from 1994 that is primarily used for training. The addition of newer models like the Airbus H125 demonstrates the department’s commitment to maintaining modern aerial capabilities.abilities for operational effectiveness
While the exact establishment date of APD’s aviation unit is unclear, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) began its Aircraft Operations Division in 1949, with an aircraft based in Austin.
The APD Air Support Unit currently operates a fleet of helicopters tailored to various missions. This includes two Airbus AS350B3 helicopters—acquired in 2013 and 2023—used for patrol, rescue, and firefighting, as well as a Bell 206B3 from 1994 that is primarily used for training. The addition of newer models like the Airbus H125 demonstrates the department’s commitment to maintaining modern aerial capabilities.abilities for operational effectiveness
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Locations
| KAUS AUS | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport |
Models
| EC120B | |
| H125 | |
| AS350B3e Ecureuil | |
| TH-67A Creek | |
| OH-58A Kiowa |