Evening star., 1946-11-04
Virginia S Air Police
Now Have ; Planes
And I Licensed Pilots
Bv A. A. HoehIinu

Virginia's aerial police force
which was established four months
ago, is fast growing into a sys-
tematized outfit with three planes
and seven licensed pilots on its
roster.
Based at airports at Richmond
Lynchburg and Pulaski, the planes
according to Col. c. w. Woodson
jr., superintendent Of the Virginia
State Police, have been successful in
their role as the laws new sky arm
They have been used" he said
"in manhunts and in searching fol
motor vehicles which are thought
to be parked in back country, re-
motely removed from the highway
They have also helped in directing
traffic at such large-scale celebra-
tions as football games"
Fifth State With Air Force.
According to the training division
of the Civil Aeronautics Admins
tration, Virginia is the fifth State
to operate an air adjunct to Its
police force. Others are Pennsyl-
vania, Indiana, West Virginia and
Nassau County, New York.
These and other States we're rep
resented at a special Introductory
aerial patrolling course given during
the summer by the CAA in connec-
ton with the Pennsylvania State
Police Convention at Indiantown
Gap, Pa. --.- ....-
Although the Virginia police use
light sport-type planes which cruise
at less than 100 miles per hour, they
have been found adequate for cover
ing areas in the wilderness and
mountainous portions Of the State.
Pilots Are Sought.
Their ability to throttle back and
hover, in fact, has made them idea.
for seeking out escaped prisoners
and communicating by radio with
police on the ground. With scout
cars they make perfect team fol
particularly notty highway prob.
lens.
The department is endeavoring te
stimulate interest in the flying pro-
gram among its trooper personnel.
Members desiring to become
pilots" Col. Woodson has stated
"are to be encouraged, as the greater
number of pilots available will In
sure the presence of some pilot fol
immediate duty in an emergency.
The department has experienced
no dearth of volunteers, and mum.
ber of State troopers, particularly
those who are war veterans, ar,
learning to fly ON their own tint
under the CT Bill Of Rights.
Other Duties Assigned.
The flying troopers are not as.
signed exclusively to this line o.
duty.
Further rules governing use o.
the planes is set up as follows in tht
State Policies table of organization
THE planes may be used in any
situation when, in the judgment Of
the division commander, such ust
may facilitate the solution of the
police problem involved.
Planes will not be used for the
transportation of personnel or sup
plies except in bona fide emergen-
cies and then only with the specific
authorization of the superintendent
Permission must be secured from the
superintendent in each incident OF
this nature.
No Patrols Established.
Division commanders are author
lied to extend the service of the
planes to any State, county or city
law enforcement officials who have
a specific need for such assistance
in the solution of a police problem
The plane so loaned will be pilotec
by member of this department.
Col. Woodson has pointed out
that so far no regular aerial patrol
as such, has been established.
Strict discipline is maintained
over the organization. Pilots mus
fly within CAA regulations, anc
stunting is forbidden.