The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) Aviation Unit provides aerial support to local law enforcement operations, conducting missions for approximately 20 hours per day throughout the week. Established in 1974, it is one of two municipal police aviation units in the state of Virginia, alongside Fairfax County. Its roles include routine air patrol, search and rescue, pursuit monitoring, and aerial observation, supporting ground units with real-time situational awareness during operational activities.
The unit operates a fleet that includes the MD 530F helicopter, equipped with systems such as thermal imaging (FLIR), airborne mapping, and searchlight capabilities for night operations. Typical missions are flown with a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a flight officer, working in coordination with personnel on the ground. In addition to helicopter operations, the department has incorporated unmanned aerial systems to provide rapid-response aerial imagery and support a range of policing and public safety functions.
The unit operates a fleet that includes the MD 530F helicopter, equipped with systems such as thermal imaging (FLIR), airborne mapping, and searchlight capabilities for night operations. Typical missions are flown with a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a flight officer, working in coordination with personnel on the ground. In addition to helicopter operations, the department has incorporated unmanned aerial systems to provide rapid-response aerial imagery and support a range of policing and public safety functions.
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Locations
| 1986- | Virginia Beach Police Dept Aviation Unit |
Models
| 206B-3 Jet Ranger | |
| 407 | |
| MD530F |