Police Heliport

Police Heliport (XS37) in Pasadena, US, is an operational facility for the Pasadena Police Department's Air Operations, not a commercial airport for general public travel. Therefore, typical traveler reviews, terminal facilities, security wait times, customs, immigration, and public transportation connections are not applicable to this location. Public sentiment primarily revolves around its operational impact on the community, particularly concerning noise and cost, balanced against its critical role in law enforcement and emergency response.

What Community Members Appreciate (Operational Strengths):

• Rapid Emergency Response: The Air Operations section provides aerial patrol, responding to approximately 9,000 calls per year with an average response time of 72 seconds, often being the first officers on the scene.
• Crime Fighting and Public Safety: Helicopters assist ground officers in crime fighting, participate in arrests, and maximize safety for both officers and citizens. The department also supports other city departments, including the Fire Department with brush surveys and fire management.
• Specialized Capabilities: Crews utilize night vision technology for daring rescues in challenging terrain, demonstrating advanced operational capabilities.
• Community Engagement: The department offers tours of the heliport facility and presentations to community groups, fostering outreach.
• Long-standing and Model Program: The Pasadena Police Department's Helicopter Section has a long history, established in 1969, and has been recognized as a leader and model program in airborne law enforcement.
• In-house Maintenance: Aircraft are maintained in-house by experienced technicians, ensuring reliability and continuous operation.

Common Complaints (Community Concerns):

• Helicopter Noise: Frequent and low-altitude helicopter activity generates numerous noise complaints from residents, who sometimes describe it as disruptive and disturbing.
• Cost of Operations: Some community members question the extensive use and associated costs of operating the helicopters, suggesting alternative allocations for funds, such as preventive strategies.
• Past Safety Incidents/Heliport Design: A past incident in 2012 involved a ground-based rotor collision between two police helicopters at the heliport, highlighting issues with heliport design and operating procedures at the time, as the heliport was built prior to modern certification requirements.

In summary, Police Heliport (XS37) serves a vital public safety function for Pasadena, with a strong record in emergency response and law enforcement. While lauded for its operational effectiveness and community engagement efforts, it faces ongoing criticism from residents regarding helicopter noise and the perceived cost of its extensive operations.