Powered Parachutes Give Police Eye in the Sky

Police in rural parts of the United States are looking at new ways to fight crime from the air. As an alternative to expensive helicopters or traditional jets, some law enforcement agencies are experimenting with light-weight craft that stay airborne using just a parachute. As Steve Mort reports for VOA, one small Florida city is developing a new aviation unit that could become a model for other police forces.

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[northpal2]

yeah must be a lot of crime in the swamps.

They got guns down there, they can take care of themselves.

How much liability insurance do the citizens have to cough up for this nonsense.

Another waste of taxpayers money.

[Caduceus3787]

You people posting as a waste of tax dollars are ridiculous. This is a very inexpensive way to put eyes in the sky. Would be great on the borders. Somewhat limited based on winds but sometimes we cant put up helicopters for the same reason.

[airmanbooker]

@thecaseyking It depends. Some police departments are volunteer departments, and some police departments have volunteer reserve units. This particular application is not commercial... it is an application of public safety, and it is being done by the government.

[silverliningaviation]

Dear Mr Casey King.... The police department is not breaking fed law.. the aircraft are slsa and can be used for commercial use. For the record the pilots are private pilots that fly. Furthermore government agencies like Military and police are exempt if the law did apply. Besides are you stating that if lives can be saved, budgets can be reduced to save taxpayers, and the community can be patrolled safely that the all mighty FAA should prevent an operation like this?

[thecaseyking]

This police department will be breaking federal law using ultralight powered parachute , or, as this one is 'N' numbered as an experimental aircraft, for any commercial application. even if being operated by a commercial pilot, let alone someone with a sport pilot certificate. Reference FAA Rules and Regulations sections 93, 103 or 113

[MrTomflys1]

They are also using a powered parachute in

Ripon, CA. The Ripon Police dept there loves it and have even used it as a search and rescue in the river area finding a stranded boat with two people aboard

[razed1022]

HMMM, you only safely fly in early morning and maybe an hour before sun goes down. What a freakin waste of our tax dollars..

[butaungdeathwalk]

Now thats a good way to take the bite out of crime, thats a good idea