BUFFALO, N.Y. — Air One, which is the 22-year-old helicopter used by the Erie County Sheriff's Office, is frequently down for repair. That is why there are plans to have it replaced.
But as 2 On Your Side found out, those plans for a bigger helicopter to replace it may now be grounded.
When it comes to the need for a helicopter, Erie County Sheriff John Garcia still seeks to make a convincing argument. He points out, "We get calls for tracking people: elderly people with dementia, lost kids, whatever the case might be, and it's just an important, valuable tool, so we have to get it right."
And getting it right might mean "right-sized" as well.
Garcia originally pitched the purchase of a larger Airbus H-135 model helicopter, which has two engines and carries more people than the current Air One.
It also potentially costs more in the $7 million to $10 million range with all the equipment like night vision cameras, video downlinks, and of course that specialized rescue hoist, which on Air One can lift over 300 pounds. That is something that drones definitely cannot do.
The sheriff has also publicized, through released videos, the use of the helicopter to track thieves driving stolen cars and to make arrests.
But there is an issue with the Federal Aviation Administration.
"We went ahead with the H-135. Airbus has issues now with the FAA. It hasn't been approved. We may have to look at some alternatives," Garcia said.
There could also be additional training requirements for the agency's three pilots and 12 Tactical Fight Officers as they are know. So an "alternative" might be to replace the current Air One, which is an AS 350 with a new Air One. That could be another new AS 350 for a lesser price. It might be in the $4 million to $5 million range instead of $7 million to $10 million for the larger helicopter.
Garcia: So we're looking at perhaps changing gears.
Reporter: And going with the A-Star, which would be akin to the current Air One?
Garcia: It is. You know, so for our pilots it would be a smooth transition, so are we going to end up with A-Star(AS350), perhaps.
Reporter: OK, but that has done the job and can do the job.
Garcia: And that could do the job.
So again, a similar Air One might replace the old Air One.
There has also been talk of trying to keep the old model around as a backup. Erie County does have $5.5 million in state and federal taxpayer funding to help cover costs. They may take delivery of a new helicopter next June.