The Ontario Police Department’s annual fly-in symposium provides a valuable training opportunity for airborne law enforcement and public safety personnel throughout Southern California. Skip Robinson Photo
In August 2014, inspired by the professional training sessions at the Airborne Law Enforcement Association’s annual conference, members of the Ontario (California) Police Department Air Support Unit decided to make that level of training available locally in the form of a fly-in training symposium.
After making a few phone calls, the unit realized that it had a perfect venue for a fly-in event in its own back yard at the Ontario International Airport (OIA). Although the old terminal at OIA is now closed, the facility is kept in working order in part due to its use by the motion picture industry (the movies Argo and Catch Me If You Can were both filmed there). Not only was the building large enough to accommodate dozens of students, it had a sizable ramp area to facilitate the landing of attendees’ aircraft.
Thanks to a partnership with the OIA staff and control tower and affiliated agencies, the Ontario PD Air Support Unit hosted its first fly-in training symposium in April 2015. The event was a hit. Although the unit anticipated around 50 to 75 attendees, more than 100 representatives from other California law enforcement and public safety agencies showed up for the training, with 20 aircraft taking part in the fly-in.
The old Ontario International Airport terminal building is kept in working order for the motion picture industry, and offered plenty of space for the more than 100 attendees at this year’s symposium. Skip Robinson Photo
Looking to build on the success of its first fly-in symposium, the Air Support Unit hosted its second annual event at the old OIA terminal in March 2016. The featured speaker this time was Airbus Helicopters, Inc. chief pilot Bruce Webb, who presented on the subject of unintended consequences with “Hope is Not a Strategy.”
Once again, the fly-in symposium was a success thanks to cooperation from the OIA tower and staff and Los Angeles World Airports Police and Fire. Twenty-five aircraft flew in for the event, and more than 100 attendees from over 30 different California agencies participated in the education session. The event concluded with a barbecue lunch courtesy of Dallas Avionics, with additional support provided by Hangar One Avionics, Helitender Inc., and Helistream.
According to Ontario Police Officer Jonathan Gray, “Our goal is to continue to improve the overall quality of the training in the years to come. We will continue to focus on recruiting first-class speakers who present relevant and engaging topics.”
Twenty-five aircraft participated in the 2016 fly-in at Ontario International Airport. The Ontario PD Air Support Unit plans to build on the event’s success in years to come. Skip Robinson Photo
