[Mpls] Why was that helicopter buzzing downtown this afternoon?

[John McClellan]

The majority of helicopter traffic over Minneapolis
is:

A) Medical transportation - either North AirCare or
Lifelink 3.   Picking up or dropping off patients at
North, HCMC, Fairview University, or Abbott.

B) State Patrol ("Trooper 7" or "Trooper 9") - Lots of
traffic lately for dignatary protection (probably not
at 3am though).   They respond to calls from local
police to assist with searches and chases.   (Like
Halloween night at midnight off 38th & Hiawatha).   In
addition to the extremely bright spotlight, they also
have a FLIR infrared camera that can locate heat
sources, like people hiding in shadows.

C) News Media - Helicopters are very expensive to run
and operate, their usage dropped off quite a bit in
the last few years as news organizations tried to cut
costs, the latest rush to "Action News" formats has
pushed the helo's back up again.


Many helos are based over at Holman Field, across the
River from Downtown Saint Paul.   The was some mention
this spring that the MN Air Guard wants to move out
because of the flooding - MSP Airport was a possible
site.    Anyone heard where this went?


John McClellan
Keewadin



		
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