OTTAWA, ON — Seventy years ago, the RCMP took delivery of four de Havilland Dragonfly aircraft, signaling the creation of its own air division. Today, 40 aircraft, 18 strategically located air sections and 150 employees play a key role in enhancing police operations across Canada.
The use of aircraft by the RCMP was first touted by Commissioner Aylesworth Bowen Perry, who suggested the use of aircraft for northern service and sovereignty patrols on Canada’s coastline. In May of 1937, the RCMP took delivery of four de Havilland Dragonfly aircraft and the RCMP Air Services became a reality. Today, RCMP Air Services flies over 23,000 hours a year in a highly cost-effective manner while meeting the unique and diverse transportation needs of policing organizations.
“It is a pleasure to recognize the 70 years of exemplary service provided by the RCMP Air Services,” said Minister Stockwell Day. “RCMP Air Services has played a critical role in enhancing police operations and in helping to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”
“Since that first patrol 70 years ago, RCMP Air Services has been–and continues to be–a fundamental piece of operational infrastructure that enhances police operations in every part of Canada,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Bruce Rogerson during a speech honouring the milestone anniversary.
“Today, as in the past, RCMP Air Services is comprised of highly-skilled pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers, a modernized and efficient fleet of aircraft, and active safety and training programs in support of Government of Canada and RCMP priorities,” he added.
Air Services provides vital air capabilities and assistance to operational personnel, including northern and regional patrols and surveillance, to transport personnel, evidence and supplies, carry out searches, transport emergency response and containment teams, and provide operational support for front-line members.
RCMP senior executives and employees gathered with area Members of Parliament and industry guests at the open house, which showcased several of the RCMP’s fixed, rotary wing and turbo prop aircraft.
Air Services employees, including highly-skilled pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, flight coordinators as well as procurement, quality assurance and support personnel from across Air Services’ 18 air sections were also on hand to celebrate the event.
Prior to the open house, a private memorial service took place honouring lost Air Services personnel and a former RCMP member who died during World War II while flying a Spitfire aircraft. The memorial service culminated in a flypast by a Spitfire aircraft.
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RCMP Media Relations
613-993-2999
Backgrounder
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Air Services: 1937-2007
70 years of service to the RCMP and the citizens of Canada
Background
The use of aircraft by the RCMP (then known as the Royal North West Mounted Police) was first touted by Commissioner A.B. Perry, who suggested that aircraft could be used for northern service and sovereignty patrols on Canada’s coastline.
By 1932, the RCMP had partnered with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) which provided aircraft and crew to complete anti-smuggling patrols on the east and west coasts. In due course, the RCAF had to terminate the operation citing a lack of resources.
As a result, the RCMP established its own air service on April 1, 1937. The idea of an RCMP-based Air Service had long been advocated by the Commissioner of the day, Sir James Howden MacBrien, a staunch supporter of the airborne law enforcement concept. In May of that same year, the RCMP started to take delivery of four de Havilland Dragonfly aircraft registered CF-MPA, MPB, MPC and MPD. The first RCMP air patrol took place on May 22, 1937.
A growing fleet and air service
Over the years, the Dragonfly aircraft gave way to a variety of others, including Noorduyn Norseman, Grumman Goose, Stinson, Fairchild Cornell, Beech 18 Expeditor, Beaver, Otter and King Air aircraft as well as several models of Cessna, Bell and Aerospatiale helicopters, AIA Westwind, Piaggio Avanti and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
During World War II, the Dragonflies and crew were absorbed into the RCAF.
A modern fleet, a modern approach
In 1971, RCMP Air Services purchased its first helicopter, a Bell 212, which served primarily in Newfoundland. There are now nine helicopters in the RCMP fleet.
The most important aspect of Air Services operations are the approximately 150 staff. Today, the RCMP fleet is comprised of 40 aircraft strategically located at 18 bases across Canada. The aircraft and crews are called upon to complete a diverse range of duties from conducting searches for lost individuals to searches for elusive criminals.
Aircraft convey restricted goods, material, prisoners and personnel on a regular basis to points throughout Canada and, with increasing frequency, to the United States. And there are few sights more welcome to RCMP members in small isolated communities than an RCMP aircraft carrying officers to assist in a dangerous situation.
A focused future
Post 9/11, the need for an enhanced RCMP presence on the Canada/United States border is obvious. This is particularly apparent in British Columbia where border security and the need for drug interdiction operations are of paramount importance. Given the often forbidding terrain, the ability of Air Services to assist operational personnel is essential.
In the increasingly complex world of law enforcement, RCMP Air Services is well positioned to complement the future needs of its law enforcement partners. Air Services flies in excess of 23,000 hours per year in the pursuit of law enforcement goals. 2007 marks the 70th anniversary of RCMP Air Services.
Do you know?
The majority of transport aircraft are dual purpose; readily convertible from cargo to passenger and vice versa.
The oldest aircraft in the RCMP fleet is a 1971 Twin Otter currently stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador.
The newest aircraft in the RCMP fleet are the AS 350B3 helicopter and the Avanti P180 turbo prop.
There are 13 Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the fleet–the backbone of Air Services operations.
There is a high degree of commonality among engines in the fleet. For example, the majority of the RCMP’s aircraft contain the Canadian-built PT-6 engine.
The average number of seats per aircraft is seven.
The RCMP is one of the largest fleet operators in Canada.
The RCMP operates single pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) with the Pilatus PC-12 and Piaggio P180.
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RCMP Media Relations
613-993-2999
