Aviation Unit
An Aviation Unit is a specialized department within police services that uses helicopters and sometimes small aircraft to help with police work from the air. Think of it as the "eyes in the sky" that helps ground officers do their jobs better. These units assist with tasks like finding missing persons, following vehicles during chases, monitoring large events, and helping with search and rescue operations. They're like having a bird's eye view that can quickly move anywhere it's needed to support regular police operations.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised Aviation Unit operations including helicopter maintenance schedules and pilot training
Served as tactical flight officer in Police Aviation Unit conducting aerial surveillance and support operations
Coordinated Air Unit responses to critical incidents and search-and-rescue missions
Typical job title: "Aviation Unit Officers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Aviation Unit Officers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage the budget and resources of an aviation unit?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with managing operational costs, maintenance schedules, staff scheduling, training programs, and coordination with other departments while staying within budget constraints.
Q: What experience do you have with emergency response planning for aviation operations?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of creating emergency protocols, coordinating with ground units, managing risk assessment, and handling various types of incidents from air support perspective.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Describe your experience with aerial surveillance techniques and equipment.
Expected Answer: Should explain understanding of camera systems, communication equipment, navigation tools, and how to effectively coordinate with ground units during operations.
Q: How do you maintain communication between air and ground units during operations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss radio protocols, coordination procedures, use of standardized terminology, and methods for clear communication in different situations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic qualifications do you have for aviation unit work?
Expected Answer: Should mention relevant licenses, certifications, training completed, and understanding of basic aviation unit operations and safety procedures.
Q: How do you handle the physical and mental demands of aviation work?
Expected Answer: Should discuss ability to work in confined spaces, handle irregular hours, maintain focus during long flights, and manage stress during critical incidents.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic flight operations knowledge
- Radio communication protocols
- Understanding of police procedures
- Physical fitness requirements
Mid (2-5 years)
- Aerial surveillance techniques
- Emergency response procedures
- Navigation and mapping
- Equipment operation and maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Unit management and supervision
- Budget and resource planning
- Training program development
- Inter-agency coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of required aviation licenses or certifications
- Poor physical fitness or medical conditions that conflict with aviation duties
- No experience with emergency response procedures
- Communication skills deficiencies
- Fear of heights or flying
