Air Support Division selects the very best officers for assignment to ASD. The requirements to apply for Command Pilot are a minimum of 5 years with the Department with at least three years in patrol and an FAA Private pilot’s license or have a minimum of 5 years as a ‘Winged’ TFO and have completed the Private Pilot Rotorcraft written exam.
After our pilots are selected, they complete approximately six months of intense helicopter training. While in training, the pilots obtain a commercial rotorcraft rating from the FAA. Once given their final check ride from our Chief Pilot, they are presented with their Command Pilot “Wings” from the Commanding Officer of Air Support Division.
The requirements for the position of Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) are a minimum of 5 years with the Department with at least three years in patrol. When the selection process is completed, the officer is then assigned to ASD on a two deployment periods. During the loan, the officer’s skill level and suitability as a TFO are evaluated. Once the TFO has proven an outstanding ability to handle the stress involved in managing pursuits, a complex radio package, perimeters of suspects involved in felony crimes and locating hard to find addresses, they are requested to return to the division for a 4- month probationary period. After that time, the TFO is then given a final check ride from our Chief Tactical Flight Officer and presented with Tactical Flight Officer Wings” from the Commanding Officer of Air Support Division.
Air Support Division has ongoing training for both pilots and Tactical Flight Officers as well as proficiency check rides for both on a regularly scheduled basis.