The Aviation Unit is based at Craig Airport and operates four aircrafts, including two Bell 206 JetRangers, one Bell 407 turbine helicopter for patrol operations, and a Piper Saratoga single engine for prisoner, staff and investigative transport.

The Aviation Unit provides both rotor wing (helicopter) and fixed wing (airplane) services for the Sheriff's Office and the community.  The primary and most visible function is helicopter operations.  Helicopter crews are on duty from 7: a.m  to 2:00 a.m. seven days a week to support Patrol and other units as an aerial platform for surveillance, pursuits, search and rescue, drug interdiction and criminal apprehension.  In 2007, the Aviation Unit logged 2,318 helicopter flight hours and handled or supported ground units on 7,042 dispatched and on-view calls for police service.

Airplane operations are geared toward regional and often short-notice prisoner transports, working with detectives to facilitate follow-up investigations involving persons held in distant jurisdictions, and staff transportation.  In many cases, Aviation Unit airplanes have proven to be an economical alternative to commercial transportation.  In 2007, the Aviation Unit made 130 airplane transport flights, stopping at 192 destinations and logging 78,430 nautical miles and 473 flight hours.  Two hundred forty-three (243) passengers, including prisoners, detectives and staff, were transported.

The Aviation Unit is staffed by a lieutenant assigned in the Homeland Security and Narcotics/Vice Division, nine pilots, two A&P mechanics and one A&P mechanic supervisor.  All of the pilots are rated in helicopters, and many are dual rated and can fly both airplanes and helicopters.  New members are required to have a minimum of an airplane private pilot's license and must successfully pass the high standards of our in-house helicopter training program a short time after assignment to the unit.  Members with basic helicopter and/or airplane ratings are encouraged and given the opportunity to pursue other training, such as instrument, and certified flight instructor (helicopter and/or airplane) ratings.

Full-time staffing is augmented by the Police Reserve Aviation Unit.  These 11 volunteers are members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Police Reserve Unit assigned to Aviation.  They receive training in aerial observation operations and act as crewmembers working with the pilots on patrol shifts.

For more information about the JSO Aviation Reserve Officer program click here.