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The Aviation Unit has one chief pilot, two pilot/deputies and two flight observer/deputies. The helicopter used is a single-engine Bell 407, also known as “Air 1”. It is equipped with Night Sun (a light source capable of delivering 30 million candlepower), a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) device, and video downlink/videotaping capabilities.

Air-1 is a multi-mission helicopter capable of performing numerous functions including:

  • Patrol:
    • Night Sun lighting
    • FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) – locating heat sources and videotaping
    • Coordinating resources from an elevated platform
    • Video downlink/videotaping capabilities
  • Search and Rescue:
    • Locating and rescuing victims
  • Fire Assistance:
    • Locating fire/heat sources and transporting personnel/services into difficult areas

Click here to view the members of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit conduct a Skid Rescue training exercise