The Columbus Division of Police's aviation support unit, commonly known as the Helicopter Unit, has a history spanning over five decades, having been established in 1972. From its inception, the unit's primary mission has been to provide direct air support to ground patrol officers, enhancing their capabilities in various operational scenarios. This includes assisting in suspect searches and apprehensions, aiding in vehicular pursuits, locating missing children and elderly individuals, and offering mutual aid to other law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio. The unit's airborne presence is considered a significant force multiplier, contributing to the safety of both citizens and officers on the ground.
Over the years, the Helicopter Unit has accumulated a substantial number of flight hours, with reports indicating nearly 230,000 flight hours since its formation, and specifically over 76,000 flight hours logged by 2017 using MD Helicopters. The unit typically operates for extensive periods, often averaging 16 hours a day, seven days a week, with an average of 5,000 flight hours annually. This consistent operational tempo highlights its critical role in the division's daily activities. The unit has statistically been responsible for a considerable number of arrests, with averages of over 300 felony arrests and over 200 misdemeanor arrests per year, and is frequently among the first responders to dispatched calls, with an impressive average response time of 1.3 minutes.
The fleet of the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit has primarily consisted of MD 500-series helicopters. The department acquired its first two MD 500E-model helicopters in 1997, eventually expanding to a fleet of six of these aircraft. In 2015, the division began a significant revitalization effort, upgrading its MD 500E models to the more advanced MD 530F models through a specialized conversion program. This upgrade involved enhancements such as engine improvements, blade and stabilizer replacements, and the installation of modern electronic flight displays. In 2009, the unit moved its base of operations to a new, state-of-the-art heliport, featuring extensive hangar space and administrative facilities, further supporting its operational capacity.
1972 - Early 1990s: Began with Hughes 269C piston helicopters, then transitioned to the turbine MD 500E series starting in 1997, eventually building a fleet of six.
2015 - Completed conversion of four MD 500E units to MD 530F via MD Helicopters E-to-F program.
2024 - Continued use of six MD 530F helicopters, maintained by 16 pilots and supervisors.
2025: Columbus City Council approved the purchase of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters-with funding of about $6 million-to begin replacing older MD 530Fs. These new aircraft promise quieter, more advanced performance and are expected to enter service by the end of 2025.
in July 2025, the Columbus City Council approved the purchase of new Bell 505 helicopters to begin replacing the aging MD530F fleet, aiming for quieter and more advanced aircraft to ensure continued effective air support.
Over the years, the Helicopter Unit has accumulated a substantial number of flight hours, with reports indicating nearly 230,000 flight hours since its formation, and specifically over 76,000 flight hours logged by 2017 using MD Helicopters. The unit typically operates for extensive periods, often averaging 16 hours a day, seven days a week, with an average of 5,000 flight hours annually. This consistent operational tempo highlights its critical role in the division's daily activities. The unit has statistically been responsible for a considerable number of arrests, with averages of over 300 felony arrests and over 200 misdemeanor arrests per year, and is frequently among the first responders to dispatched calls, with an impressive average response time of 1.3 minutes.
The fleet of the Columbus Division of Police Helicopter Unit has primarily consisted of MD 500-series helicopters. The department acquired its first two MD 500E-model helicopters in 1997, eventually expanding to a fleet of six of these aircraft. In 2015, the division began a significant revitalization effort, upgrading its MD 500E models to the more advanced MD 530F models through a specialized conversion program. This upgrade involved enhancements such as engine improvements, blade and stabilizer replacements, and the installation of modern electronic flight displays. In 2009, the unit moved its base of operations to a new, state-of-the-art heliport, featuring extensive hangar space and administrative facilities, further supporting its operational capacity.
1972 - Early 1990s: Began with Hughes 269C piston helicopters, then transitioned to the turbine MD 500E series starting in 1997, eventually building a fleet of six.
2015 - Completed conversion of four MD 500E units to MD 530F via MD Helicopters E-to-F program.
2024 - Continued use of six MD 530F helicopters, maintained by 16 pilots and supervisors.
2025: Columbus City Council approved the purchase of two Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopters-with funding of about $6 million-to begin replacing older MD 530Fs. These new aircraft promise quieter, more advanced performance and are expected to enter service by the end of 2025.
in July 2025, the Columbus City Council approved the purchase of new Bell 505 helicopters to begin replacing the aging MD530F fleet, aiming for quieter and more advanced aircraft to ensure continued effective air support.
News about Columbus Division of Police |
Columbus Police Orders Two Bell 505 Helicopters
17-Jul-25 - The Columbus Division of Police, through the Columbus Department of Public Safety (DPS), ordered two Bell 505 helicopters during APSCON 2025 in Phoenix, AZ #APSCON2025
Columbus Police Celebrates 45 Years
14-Oct-17 - Ohio’ Columbus Police Department (CPD) Helicopter Unit celebrating 45 years of service. From 1997 operates MD Helicopters which have accumulated 76,000 flight hours
Columbus Police Upgrades to MD530F
27-Apr-17 - Ohio’s Columbus Police to upgrade its 2 remaining MD500E helicopters. MD Helicotpers (MDHI) E-to-F model conversion program will deliver FAA-certified MD530F model helicopters in less than 12-weeks
Columbus Police Received Converted MD530F
14-Sep-15 - Two 2007 MD500E Columbus Police Department helicopters return to service as new, factory-built, FAA-certified MD530F models.
Columbus Police Converts MD500E to MD530F
13-Jun-15 - The Columbus Police Department will upgrade four of its MD500E helicopters to new MD530Fs through an FAA-approved factory recertification program at MD Helicopters production facility in Mesa, Arizona
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