Presently known as the RCMP Air Services Branch.

The objective of the Air Services Branch is to provide a safe, effective and cost efficient air service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in support of its role to maintain peace and security for the nation.

The RCMP 'Air' Division got its start in April 1937, with four twin-engine de Havilland DH.90 Dragonfly bi-planes and eight regular member pilots.

Today, the RCMP's Air Services has both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in the fleet including the Pilatus PC-12, the DHC-6 Twin Otter, the Cessna Caravan and a Piaggio Avanti P-180. The rotary-wing aircraft include the Bell 206 and Aerospatiale AS350 helicopters.

Other planes flown include the Noorduyn Norseman, Beechcraft 18, a Grumman Goose, the DHC-2 Beaver (including turbo) and DHC-3 Otter, the Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Citation and Westwind. Also used were a Fairchild Cornell, Stinson 108 and a Bell 212 Twin Huey as their first Helicopter.

The Air Services program provides essential air support for policing operations throughout the RCMP and prisoner transport for Corrections Canada. Air Services conducts northern and regional patrols; transports personnel, prisoners and supplies; and carries out searches.


THIS GROUP IS A FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF HISTORICAL AND PRESENT-DAY AIRCRAFT AND OPERATIONS OF THE RCMP 'AIR' DIVISION / AIR SERVICES.

News and current events can be posted including any general Canadian aviation, aviation history and RCMP topics as well.



SHOWN:
C-GMPK Eurocopter AS350 B3 (S/N: 3923) serving since 2005 and seen here landing at Kelowna Airport.

PHOTO:
John Olafson © 01 June 2009