In view of the growing market for police aviation in Southern Africa, with more and more countries expanding and/or setting up police airwings, Eurocopter Southern Africa (Pty.) Ltd. hosted the first South African Airborne Law Enforcement Seminar at the Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town on September 16th, preceding the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition. Featuring guest speakers from the London Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom, which operates three Eurocopter EC145s, the conference was well supported by police airwing commanders from South Africa up to Uganda.
The South African Police Airwing, with thirteen single-engine AS350 B3, thirteen twin-engine BO105 and two twin-engine BK117 helicopters in service, is one of Eurocopter’s longest-standing customers and operates the largest Eurocopter fleet in Southern Africa. The Botswana Police Service is launching a police airwing from scratch. Two AS350 B3s will be delivered to them before the end of this year, with a third aircraft following in 2009. In addition to the helicopters, Eurocopter Southern Africa provides the type rating training for six pilots and the training of three mechanics. The Namibia Police Service is also about to receive its first AS350 B3.
Eurocopter is the world’s leading helicopter supplier to law enforcement and homeland security authorities and shares a wealth of experience in police air support with its customers. During its seminar in Cape Town, presentations were given about the latest technologies and equipment available in the market, police mission requirements and tactics, training and maintenance procedures, while the attending police commanders from the various nations were able to exchange their insights and experience.
The seminar was proudly supported by Denel Aviation, Turbomeca Africa and Carl Zeiss Optronics. Eurocopter’s customers considered the conference a resounding success where much valuable information and know-how were being shared.
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