Aero Squadron

Aero Squadron Reserve Unit

OCSD Reserve Aero Squadron StaffMission Statement

The mission of the Aero Squadron is to assist the Orange County Sheriff's Department by providing air support to Orange County law enforcement and other agencies which may require aviation resources to complete their tasks; to ensure the highest level of pilot competency through continual training and a discreet selection process; and to enhance the safety and security of the community by providing an additional cadre of professionally trained personnel to augment the regular forces and furnish unique disaster response capabilities.

History

OCSD Reserve Aero SquadronIn 1926, when airplanes in Orange County could be tallied in single digits, Johnny Martin, an instrumental figure in local aviation history, organized the first Flying Police Squadron with four members called Police Aviation of Santa Ana. In 1947 Martin established a fixed base operation at Orange County Airport and together with Sheriff Musick, the Aero Squadron, as we know it today, was formed with 12 members and Johnny Martin as the first Captain. The unit has grown, both in number of members and sophistication of aviation equipment; and has served at the pleasure of Sheriff's Musick, Gates, and Carona with Captain Bud Rasner as only the sixth commander of the unit.

Present

OCSD Reserve Aero SquadronToday the unit numbers 43 members with combined experience of over 200,000 hours. The unit is organized into five sections, each with specific tasks and goals, Administration/Programs, Special Projects, Materiel/Finance, Operations, and Training. A Reserve Lieutenant and a Reserve Sergeant head each section. During the past five years, the unit has contributed an average of 8000 hours per year.

Qualifications

  • Must be 20 years of age at time of application.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or become a naturalized citizen within 3 years of appointment.
  • Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test indicating high school graduation level, or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
  • Must have no felony convictions as a juvenile or adult and cannot currently be on probation.
  • Must have no domestic violence convictions and cannot currently be the subject of a domestic violence restraining order.
  • Must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Sheriff-Coroner.
  • Must pass polygraph examination.
  • Must pass a medical examination.
  • Must be financially self-sufficient or a full-time student and have a good credit record.
  • Must pass P.C. 832 course consisting of 64 hours of training. (Except PSR)

Requirements for membership

  • Prefer private pilot or better with instrument rating, and significant flight experience.
  • Ready access to an aircraft when called for duty.
  • Availability to perform assignments when requested and attend meetings on a regular basis.
  • Willingness to donate personal time and out of pocket expenses for the benefit of the County of Orange and State of California.
  • Successfully pass a practical check by an Aero Squadron designated CFII both on the ground and in flight. (may be waived by staff for scheduled recurrency training for example airline pilot members).
  • Become a sworn officer of the Orange County Sheriff's Department or completed PSR orientation.

Requirements for continued membership

Flight Status

  • Retain flight skills and conduct monthly practice of at least two (2) flight hours.
  • Pass an annual Aero Squadron oral and flight check given by one of the squadron's CFII's.
  • Retain valid FAA pilot's license, required physical examination and biennial flight review.

All Members

  • Pass annual written and practical tests in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and recurrent tests in First Aid.
  • Continued availability to perform mission assignments and attend meetings regularly.
  • Attend bi-annual weekend training exercises. Maintain pistol shooting skills and qualify as required.
  • Pay nominal dues and other assessments required.

For more information on joining the Reserves, see our How to Join page, or call the Reserve Office: 714-566-2711.