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How fast can the helicopter fly?
The helicopter can reach speeds of 150kts but will often cruise at around 130kts, although this may not sound very fast it means two miles of ground can be covered in one minute! Plus, unlike the stolen car we may be watching, we do not have to slow down for corners!
How long can the helicopter remain airborne?
The helicopter has an endurance of around three and a half hours on a single tank of fuel.
This varies depending on the type of flying, e.g, hovering on a hot summer day will take more fuel than slow orbits during the initial search mode.
This varies depending on the type of flying, e.g, hovering on a hot summer day will take more fuel than slow orbits during the initial search mode.
How often does the helicopter have to be serviced?
As helicopters are mechanically more complex than fixed-wing aircraft servicing is essential. The helicopter receives maintenance inspections every 100 flying hours with more major checks taking place at 400 and 800 hours plus annual service.
Why are the helicopters the colour they are?
The helicopter is the colour it is so that it can be seen by other aircraft when flying. The yellow shows up against the ground to an aircraft above while the dark blue shows up well against the sky to an aircraft below it.
Do police officers pilot the helicopter?
No. The pilots are permanent civilian staff, all with experience of flying either military or commercial helicopters.
