National Police Air Service (NPAS) fixed-wing pilots have been keeping their skills sharp as they countdown to going operational.
NPAS has received four new Vulcanair P68R aircraft and while the organisation works to achieve their certification their pilots are flying with ACS Aviation in a Diamond DA42 light twin.
Captain Paul Watts, Chief Pilot for NPAS, said, “It’s essential our fixed-wing pilots retain their flying currency, including vital instructor ratings, while we await airworthiness and police operational certification. Using a leased aircraft has allowed us to do that.
“Pilots have been flying from NPAS Doncaster, which is where our new aircraft will deploy from in support of police forces across England and Wales.”
ACS Aviation has provided NPAS fixed-wing crew with ongoing support and access to the company’s DA42 Diamond Twinstar fleet. This allows NPAS fixed-wing pilots the opportunity to continue flying and maintain currency.
The DA42 is equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics similar to the Vulcanair aircraft allowing NPAS crews and engineers to familiarise themselves with the systems and operating procedures.
