History
Narrative Summary
The huge size of Australia and the low population density mean that travel between major towns can be very time consuming. The use of aircraft can vastly reduce the time required to reach a given destination. Shortly after World War II, the New South Police obtained an Avro Anson from the RAAF and set up an Aviation Branch. At this time the cost-effectiveness benefits of Police aircraft were inconclusive and the unit was closed down in 1950.
In 1974 the Western Australia Police established the first modern Police Air Wing in Australia, initially using leased fixed-wing aircraft and later buying its own aircraft. Several other Australian states followed suit in the 1970s, and by 1979 all the states had established a Police Air Wing. All of these units operated fixed-wing aircraft, normally based close to the state capital. In 1979, Victoria replaced its fixed-wing aircraft with a helicopter, becoming the first Police helicopter operator in Australia. It remains the only all-helicopter Police Air Wing in the country.
Key Dates
| 1946 | New South Wales Police begins operation of the first police aircraft in Australia. | |
| 1974 | Western Australia Police establish the first modern Police Air Wing in Australia. | |
| 1979 | First police helicopter introduced – by Victoria Police. |
Current Status
There is currently a Police Air Wing in each state, plus the capital territory.
Future Plans
See individual operators.
Markings
Special Markings
Australian Police aircraft operate in a wide variety of markings – usually some variety of blue and white overall. Most carry POLICE service titles – except for Queensland, which does not.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Australian Police aircraft and helicopters carry standard Australian civil aircraft registrations.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
See individual operators.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
See individual operators.
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
To be added.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Each of the five Australian states has its own Police Air Wing, administered and funded by the state government. The Tasmania Police share use of Tasmanian EMS helicopters and don’t have a separate police air wing. In addition, the Federal Government in Canberra has the Australian Federal Police, which operates in the Australian Capital Territory, nationwide and internationally.
Organisational Structure
Each Air Wing has its own organisational structure.
Current Unit Assignments
Table of Current Unit Assignments
Historical Unit Assignments
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
See unit assignments.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
None known
Magazines
To be added
Websites
