grounds of Van Nuys Airport (KVNY). The LAFD helicopter fleet consists of five medium-duty and two
light-duty helicopters. It is staffed 24/7 by a crew of pilots, aeromedics, helitac members, and command
staff. The multi-mission profile of LAFD Air Operations includes brush fire suppression, air ambulance
transport, high-rise fire response, and hoist rescues.
This is one of the LAFD five medium-duty helicopters, a Leonardo AW139. Its Pratt & Whitney PT6C-
67C turbine engines and a state-of-the-art 5-bladed main rotor system deliver a high cruising speed (up
to 167 knots) in even the most demanding conditions. The pilots also utilize state-of-the-art night vision
technology to assist ground operations and enhance safety during nighttime operations.
Leading-edge technology includes a Honeywell Primus Epic fully integrated avionics system, a 4-axis
digital AFCS (Automated Flight Control System), and a large flat-panel color display in the cockpit. The
new design approach enables the AW139 to utilize fewer components, benefiting from integrated
avionics, and provides easy accessibility to all systems for simplified maintenance tasks. A 480-gallon
water tank is attached to the bottom of the airship.
The LAFD also uses two Bell 505 light helicopters for training and aerial supervision duties. All LAFD
pilots are sworn members of the Department and are initially trained and worked in the field as
firefighters. After completing at least four years in the field as a firefighter and obtaining the necessary
FAA pilot licensure on their own time, a member may apply for a position as an LAFD helicopter pilot.
Once accepted into the program, members receive initial City flight training from the LAPD, which
maintains a robust helicopter program of its own, followed by at least two years of LAFD Air Operations
training. The LAFD pilot training pipeline takes approximately four years to complete.