Winnipeg police helicopter in maintenance

Speaking with media, Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth said the overhaul will cost around CA$600,000.

“This is mandatory 12-year maintenance, where it gets grounded and almost completely stripped down to the bolt,” he said. “Because of the pandemic we had to defer that to the early part of this year. We are in the second half of the machine’s life. Once we complete this maintenance cycle, it will probably have between three to five years’ service left, then it will be the end of life for that particular aircraft.”

Budget enough for overhaul but not new helicopter

“I look at other cities that have helicopters, like Calgary,” he added. “They have more than one, but it comes down to balancing operations with budgetary costs.”

The WPS budgeted for the major overhaul of Air 1, which is a Eurocopter EC120B with high maneuverability, good visibility, a large cockpit, and a low noise signature. At 1,000 feet, the upgraded model of the EC120B has a perceived noise of 68 dB. It’s touted as the quietest helicopter in its class with low emissions.

Air 1 has a Nightsun, 30-million candle power light that can be coupled with the helicopter’s thermal imagery camera. It has a powerful loudspeaker to address people on the ground.

Last year, AirMed&Rescue found out how difficult it has been for providers to access maintenance, repair and overhaul services during the pandemic.