Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit has taken on an exclusive contract with AeroGuard Flight Training Center (FTC) for fixed wing flight training. The agreement is slated to last for five years and will enable the police department to make its pilots mission-ready for any operations.

The Air Support Unit's mission is to provide effective airborne surveillance and patrol support to bureaus and precincts of the Police Department. Patrol support means that the unit is there to help those officers in patrol cars out on the street do their job more effectively, and responsibilities now include search and rescue work as well as fire fighting.

The Phoenix Police Department Air Support Unit was first established in 1973 and located at Sky Harbor airport. As part of its fixed wing fleet it has a Pilatus PC-12NG. The Unit currently flies about 8,000 hours a year and has aircraft crews available 24 hours a day.

AeroGuard CEO Joel Davidson says: “This is a very proud day for all of us here at AeroGuard, and we could not be more excited to announce our training agreement with the Phoenix Police Department. Our company was founded right here in Phoenix. The Deer Valley airport is where it all started. This city is a huge part of who we are, and it means so much to us to have an opportunity to impact our community in a positive way. We are committed to providing our officers with the highest level of safe flight training as they take to the skies.”

AeroGuard offers an accelerated, FAA-approved flight training curriculum which will help officers quickly and safely master the skills they need to fly for the Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit. The company has trained over 6,000 pilots since its launch, and this affords a unique opportunity to deepen its ties to the community and the city.

“With a mission that includes patrol support, search and rescue work, as well as fire fighting responsibilities, the Phoenix Police Department's Air Support Unit plays an important role in the protection of our city. To be part of that, even in this small way, is something that means a lot to us here at AeroGuard,” he adds.

AeroGuard provides training for certifications ranging from Private through Flight Instructor, as well as specific training for currency or upset recovery.