AVIATION UNIT

GLOSSARY 

PURPOSE 

SCOPE 

MISSION OF THE AVIATION DIVISION 

SOURCE MATERIAL 

SECTION I: TYPES OF FLIGHT MISSIONS 

SECTION II: FLIGHT CREW PERSONNEL 

SECTION III: FLIGHT OPERATIONS 

SECTION IV: RESTRICTIONS 

SECTION V: SERVER-BASED RESPONSIBILITIES 

SECTION VI: UNIFORMS 

SECTION VII: CHAIN OF COMMAND 

SECTION VIII: RECRUITMENT 

SECTION IX: TRAINING 

SECTION X: RIDE ALONGS / AIRCRAFT PASSENGERS 

SECTION XI: PASSENGER LIABILITY WAVER 

SECTION XII: APPROVING OFFICIAL 

SECTION XIII: AMENDMENTS 

PURPOSE

This policy outlines the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)s for the San Andreas State Police (SASP) Aviation Unit. This SOP outlines the structure, operations, and responsibilities of all employees of the Air Unit. 

SCOPE

The guidelines and procedures outlined within this SOP apply to all SASP personnel who are authorized to conduct operations within the Aviation Unit. 

MISSION OF THE AVIATION DIVISION 

The primary mission of the SASP Aviation Unit is to support ground-force personnel engaged in law enforcement, emergency medical service, or rescue service operations. The Unit carries out this mission by acting as an airborne observation post which directs ground units to areas of attention upon observation. 

SOURCE MATERIAL 

All operations of the Air Unit will be in accordance with the State of San Andreas Aviation Regulation document linked below:  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16HyRre93ThYH2JpuF1cqQV98eiaoxG8SNCC9eoJ--ww/edit?usp=sharing 

SECTION I: TYPES OF FLIGHT MISSIONS 

A SASP aircraft will only be in the air for the following reasons: 

1. Surveillance 

Suspected criminals and known areas of criminal activity are placed under observation by the Unit for varying lengths of time. Individuals, vehicles, residences, businesses, and areas can be observed and information relayed to patrol or investigative units who can then take appropriate action. 

2. Searches 

Ground units are assisted by the Unit in searching for lost children, missing or wanted persons, and escapees. The Unit checks various locations, particularly remote areas, for abandoned stolen vehicles and car stripping activities. It also provides nighttime illumination by searchlight for crime scene or area searches as is necessary. 

3. Crowd Control 

The Unit is used to observe civil disturbances, parades, marches, visits of dignitaries, or other events where crowd control or intelligence is necessary. 

4. Assistance to Other Agencies 

The Air Unit will assist other law enforcement agencies in emergency situations or when a situation is deemed more important that the unit's assigned missions. The Pilot in Command has the authority to determine when it is appropriate to deviate from a previously assigned mission to assist another agency. 

5. Training 

When it is necessary for the Air Unit to conduct training operations, a SASP training aircraft will be in the air and will follow all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and SASP policy requirements as if the training flight were a standard flight operation. 

SECTION II: FLIGHT CREW PERSONNEL

1. Pilot in Command (PIC) 

The primary duty of the PIC is to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. His/her duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Perform a complete preflight inspection of the aircraft. 

• Preflight shall be conducted as outlined in Section III of this SOP. 

• Ensure all communications equipment is working properly. 

• Adhere to all FAA regulations before, during and after flight operations. 

• Monitor all appropriate radio channels to maintain contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). 

• Monitor (when safe to do so) with the Tactical Flight Officer, ground-force radio channels to keep informed of police operations.  

• Maintain constant vigilance of other aircraft, altitude, air speed, and all other conditions affecting the safe operation of the aircraft. 

• Ensure all necessary flight logs and reporting requirements are completed and documented before and after flight operations. 

• Coordinate flight patterns and maneuvers with Tactical Flight Officer for maximum operational effectiveness.  

• Perform post-flight inspection of the aircraft and document all identified deficiencies and ensure proper maintenance is performed on the aircraft prior to next flight operation. 

• When a safety issue comes up during flight, the Pilot in Command will have the final say as to how the flight operation will be handled. 

2. Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) 

The primary duty of the TFO is to operate all on-board devices in order to assist with ground-force operations. These duties include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Assist in the completion of the preflight inspection of the aircraft.  

• Assure the aircraft is properly equipped with the necessary equipment to complete the assigned mission or flight plan. 

• Unless otherwise performed by the PIC, the TFO will advise ATC and ground-force personnel the aircraft is in-service (airborne). TFO will advise of the callsign for the aircraft and any other relevant information pertaining to flight operations ATC and/or ground-force personnel need to be aware of. 

• Maintain constant vigilance of ground activities and coordinate movements and actions with the PIC. 

• The TFO will use all appropriate on-board equipment to direct ground units responding to calls for service, observing suspicious activities, or in accomplishing any other assignment. 

• In the event of an emergency landing, the TFO will disembark (when safe to do so) and ensure any passengers boarding the aircraft do so in a safe and controlled manner. 

• Follow all instructions and coordinate with the PIC in the event of an in-flight emergency.  

SECTION III: FLIGHT OPERATIONS

The following procedures are to be followed before, during, and after each flight operation. The flight crew will accomplish these tasks as a team to ensure nothing is overlooked/neglected. 

1. PIC or TFO will contact the highest ranking SASP supervisor on duty to advise airborne operations will be conducted. 

2. Conduct a Preflight Plan. 

• Are PIC/TFO fit to fly? 

• Check for possible inclement weather. 

• Establish range for times of departure/in-flight operations/end of flight. 

• Record aircraft registration number as well as names of PIC and TFO. 

• Establish take-off and landing locations. 

• Determine route of flight (Destination specific or general patrol). 

• Estimated altitude of flight operations. 

3. PIC or TFO will document in the “FAA Fight Logs” channel within the RRRP Discord the following:  

• Aircraft number 

• Take-off location 

• Flight destination 

• Number of souls on board 

• Cargo (Type and Quantity) 

• Verify all preflight checks were completed. 

• Verify aircraft operators are monitoring Channel 121.5 

4. Conduct a Preflight Inspection. 

• Check of aircraft for loose bolts, obvious mechanical issues, and general wear and tear. 

• Ensure aircraft is clear of debris and aircraft glass is clean. 

• Check landing gear and all fixtures attached to the body of aircraft for damage. 

• Check all rotors/blades/props/flaps/elevators/ailerons for damage. 

• Ensure all lights are functional and have proper illumination. 

• Ensure all gages are functioning as originally designed. 

• Ensure in-game map is functioning as designed and is adequate for flight operations.   

5. Communication is relayed to all appropriate personnel (ATC/Ground) that aircraft is in-service upon lift-off. PIC will monitor frequency 121.5 and maintain radio communication with ATC. 

6. PIC and TFO will complete all indicated mission parameters during flight operations. 

7. The aircraft will land no earlier than indicated in the ending time of the flight plan unless in the event of an emergency, unexpected event, or at the request of ground-force personnel. 

8. Communication is relayed to all appropriate personnel (ATC/Ground) that aircraft is out of service upon landing. 

9. Post flight inspection is completed. 

SECTION IV: RESTRICTIONS 

All indicated restrictions below will be adhered to unless during situations of emergency or necessary for law enforcement operations. 

1. Air speed maximum is 140 miles per hour. 

2. Flight Operations will not be conducted during periods of inclement weather such as: 

• Heavy rain/thunderstorms. 

• Tornados/Hurricanes. 

• Extreme Fog/Snow. 

• Any other weather patterns which may prevent safe in-flight operations. 

3. City Limits Altitude Ceiling: 2500 Minimum Feet. 

4. County Limits Altitude Ceiling: 2000 Minimum Feet. 

5. Law Enforcement Exempt: 120 Feet minimum or as necessary for use of camera equipment. 

6. Adhere to all No-Fly / Restricted Zones as indicated by ATC. 

SECTION V: SERVER-BASED RESPONSIBILITIES 

As indicated in the San Andreas Aviation Regulations document, the SASP Aviation Unit is responsible for “regulation, penal upkeep and enforcement of aviation activities in conjunction with the federal government and all local law enforcement agencies.” With this responsibility, the Air Unit has the authority to: 

1. Conduct a customs check prior to take-off or upon the landing of any aircraft. 

2. All passengers are subject to be searched before boarding and/or upon landing for illegal contraband. 

3. All cargo is required to be declared and is subject to search. 

Illegal Contraband: Weapons, drugs, any other items defined as illegal under the Penal Code. 

SECTION VI: UNIFORMS 

All members of the Air Unit will wear the SASP Aviation Unit Flight Suit while conducting flight operations. The Flight Suit may not be worn outside of flight operations aside from public recruitment events.  

SASP AVIATION UNIT

FIGHT SUIT

SCARF AND CHAINS

Draw: 178

Texture: 0

JACKETS

Draw: 519

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SHIRT

Draw: 87

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BODY ARMOR

Draw: 73

Texture: 1

BAGS AND PARACHUTE

Draw: 115

Texture: 0

HANDS

Draw: 4

Texture: 0

LEGS

Draw: 184

Texture: 0

SHOES

Draw: 51

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HELMET

Draw: 206

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SECTION VII: CHAIN OF COMMAND 

1. Superintendent 

2. Assistant Superintendent 

3. Operations Commander 

4. Commander of the Aviation Unit 

5. Pilot in Command 

6. Tactical Flight Officer 

SECTION VIII: RECRUITMENT 

The SASP Aviation Unit Commander will recruit candidates from within the department who have applied for a position within the Air Unit. Applicants must be sworn officers and have no less than 30-days of employment within the SASP who have received no major disciplinary actions within their employment. Applicants will be interviewed by the Aviation Unit Commander and final recommendations will be forwarded to the Superintendent for final approval. 

SECTION IX: TRAINING 

1. All SASP Air Unit Personnel must obtain an Emergency Privilege Exempt Pilot’s License from an accredited San Andreas instructional facility prior to participating in any flight operation. 

2. The SASP Aviation Unit Commander will be the authority on promoting certified TFOs to the position of Pilot in Command. 

3. All TFO training will consist of an on-the-job (in-service) and classroom instructional lecture (as required) by a SASP Pilot Instructor. The TFO trainee must complete all initial TFO training with a “Competent/Satisfactory” rating from the Pilot Instructor prior to assuming the duties of a full-time FTO conducting flight operations.  

4. The time period of TFO training will be at the discretion of the Pilot Instructor and based on the TFO trainees’ level of prior experience and comprehension/retention of in-flight training operations and lesson plans. 

5. The Superintendent will sign off on a TFO trainee’s final promotion order once a recommendation for graduation has been submitted by both the Pilot Instructor and the Commander of the Aviation Unit. 

6. To maintain certification, the TFO must work a minimum of 2 shifts per month within the SASP Air Unit (as scheduled with the Aviation Unit Commander.) 

SECTION X: RIDE ALONGS / AIRCRAFT PASSENGERS 

Outside of an emergency situation, only upon authorization of the SASP Aviation Unit Commander, may anyone other than personnel assigned to the unit, ride in the police aircraft. When such authorization is given, the individual, if other than an SASP Employee, will read and sign the liability waver form provided for this purpose. 

SECTION XI: PASSENGER LIABILITY WAVER 

If an individual has received authorization from the SASP Aviation Unit Commander to ride in a SASP aircraft, the PIC or TFO will copy and paste the following message and send via a Direct Message to the rider’s Discord account: 

“I, [Type Name Here], wish to ride as a passenger within a San Andreas State Police emergency patrol vehicle or aircraft. I do so of my own free will, and hereby accept any risks of injury or death to myself as a result of my participation during this ride-along. I will not, nor will anyone on my behalf, seek any sort of legal action or financial compensation against the San Andreas State Police for any reason in relation to my willing participation in the SASP ride-along program. 

Signed: [Type Name Here] 

Date: [Enters Date of Ride-along]” 

The Passenger will then fill out the indicated sections contained within the message above and return to either the SASP Aviation Unit Commander, the PIC or the TFO. If returned to the PIC/TFO, that individual will forward the waver to the SASP Aviation Unit Commander. This waver must be completed prior to the individual’s participation within the ride-along.  

SECTION XII: APPROVING OFFICIAL 

Colonel Garrett Oakley 

Superintendent, San Andreas State Police 

SECTION XIII: AMENDMENTS

Amendment 08/24/2024:

1. Aside from the air crew, there must be a total number of at least three (3) active units on ground-force patrol, not specific to any one police agency, in order for the SASP Air Unit to conduct flight operations.