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In the June-July issue of Vertical, we're launching our year-long series on the Gulf of Mexico with a comprehensive overview of helicopter operations in the GOM. In "The New Offshore" (p.44) Ken Swartz reports on the major players in the Gulf, and how the market has evolved with the move to deepwater drilling. With the recent disaster aboard the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon grabbing headlines around the world, the story couldn't be timelier.
Keeping with our GOM theme, Richard Patterson reports on his experiences at Era Training Center (p.62). Richard traveled all the way from Hawaii to Louisiana for his Eurocopter AS 350 checkout, and as you'll read, it was worth the trip.
To coincide with the Airborne Law Enforcement Association's annual conference in July, we're also profiling the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and "Henry-1" - its multi-role Bell 407. On page 68, Brent Bergan reports on the California-based unit and its compelling long-line rescues. Also of interest to law enforcement operators: Guy Maher's "Finding Opportunity" (p.78), a look at how ALE and ENG versions of the Robinson R44 can fit any program's budget.
We also pay a visit to Mountain Air Helicopters in New Mexico (p.84), reveal the story behind the world's northernmost helicopter rescue (p.40) and remind you why it's a good idea to drink plenty of water (p.92). In time for summer, Nick Gagnon reviews sunglasses in "Gadgets and Gear" (p.118). All of this, plus a full complement of news and columns, makes the June-July issue of Vertical the summer's must-read.
The Summer issue of Vertical 911 has been released to coincide with the Airborne Law Enforcement Association's annual conference and exposition, July 14 to 17 in Tucson, Ariz. In keeping with the ALE theme, editor-in-chief Elan Head pays a visit to the Houston Police Department's Air Support Division, which is celebrating its 40th year of service (p.32). And, in "Shots Fired, Officer Down!" (p.70), Jack Schonely describes how critically important it is for tactical flight crews to provide calm guidance and leadership in times of crisis.
In other features, Craig Lunaas continues his series on GPS approach development with an examination of WAAS/LPV approaches (p.60). Dave Majumdar reports on the U.S. Marine Corps' H-1 upgrade program in "Shedding Their Skin" (p.50), and Shawn Coyle sheds light on a notorious helicopter EMS accident in "A Dark Horizon" (p.26). Plus, Dennis Raubenheimer rounds up rescue equipment (p.42) and Terrence Wyman describes some of the more, ahem, interesting distractions with which EMS pilots are forced to contend (p.80).