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State Police Helicopter Replacement (Statewide)
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Short Description: Department of State Police’s (DSP) fleet of 12 Medevac helicopters. ... Command (MSPAC) currently has a fleet of 12 helicopters and 2 fixed winged aircraft. ...
Content Inside: D06E02SP Board of Public Works PAYGO Medevac Helicopters State Police Helicopter Replacement (Statewide) PAYGO SF $33,606,000 Recommendation: Approve Program Description: Chapter 6 of the 2007 special session provided that a portion ($110 million) of the revenues from the increased sales and use tax in fiscal 2008 be used to fund the replacement of the Department of State Police's (DSP) fleet of 12 Medevac helicopters. Intent language included in the legislation specified that 3 helicopters should be purchased each year from fiscal 2009 to 2012. The special funds provided in the allowance represent funds for the procurement of the first 3 replacement helicopters. Background Since 1970, DSP has operated a system of aircraft to provide emergency medical evacuation (Medevac) services and other flight services to the State's citizens. The Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC) currently has a fleet of 12 helicopters and 2 fixed winged aircraft. Its mission has evolved to include medical evacuations; search and rescue; law enforcement; and most recently, homeland security. Several reports have called for the replacement of the division's fleet of 12 twin-engine Eurocopter Dauphin helicopters. The helicopters were purchased over an 11-year period beginning in 1989 and many are reaching the end of their useful lives. Medevac operations began in Maryland in 1970 with a limited fleet of single engine Bell "Jet Ranger" helicopters. A crash involving one of these helicopters in 1986 prompted a review and ultimately the recommendation to upgrade and expand the fleet. The first of MSPAC's current fleet was purchased in 1989. The fleet consists of three models of aircraft, several of which have been modified to meet the latest models specifications. Exhibit 1 shows when each model was purchased and, where appropriate, when the model was upgraded to new standards. Only three of the original models remain unmodified. There is a rigorous maintenance schedule designed to maximize safety and to prolong the life of the aircraft. Regular inspections are required after every 25 hours and after every 100 hours of flight time. Routine maintenance is performed and any problems are corrected. After 600 hours of flight time, each aircraft undergoes a "T" inspection during which time the aircraft is disassembled down to the frame, and parts are inspected and replaced as needed. Finally, "G" inspections occur every 5,400 flight hours. This inspection involves a near complete dismantling of the aircraft in order for close inspection, repair, and maintenance. For further information contact: Jody J. Sprinkle Phone: (410) 946-5530 Analysis of the FY 2009 Maryland Executive Budget, 2008 1
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