NPAS The National Police Air Service

[EX9]

They are based there until a suitable alternative is found and approved by the NPAS management. There are lots of politics and financial complications to the operation.
No one wanted it to move, but LBA serves as a suitable temporary setup to keep the operation running.

As a national asset, it would be more suitable for them to be based further south.

 

[Len Fish]

They are based there until a suitable alternative is found and approved by the NPAS management. There are lots of politics and financial complications to the operation.
No one wanted it to move, but LBA serves as a suitable temporary setup to keep the operation running.

As a national asset, it would be more suitable for them to be based further south.

LBA is the ideal location for their base as they spend most of their time circling Bradford!

 

[EX9]

LBA is the ideal location for their base as they spend most of their time circling Bradford!

You cannot speculate the demand and strategic ability based on what circles are created on flight tracking apps. The areas closer to the bases will always attract demand as incidents are more viable the quicker an aircraft can be on scene. Especially if it is already airborne.

When you look at the national coverage (or lack of) along with the fact there is a helicopter base within the the region and another over the hill. It is not the best use for a fixed wing given their main asset is a longer endurance capability, something the other rotary aircraft in the country cannot be as effective at in areas with bases further away.

For example, there is a significant gap of coverage in the midlands. This gap is significantly more hindered by the fixed wings operation being moved further north.

 

[Aviador]

Is NPAS still operating from LBA or have they moved elsewhere now?

 

[jfy1999]

I believe so, but they’re not doing much flying of late, FR24 shows that the most recent flight for G-POLZ was on the 25th, and G-POLX on the 27th. Both were LBA to LBA. There’s been no movement from G-POLW or G-POLV in the last seven days.

 

[White Heather]

Is NPAS still operating from LBA or have they moved elsewhere now?

Pretty sure they're still here. I saw one about 10 days ago but they do seem quiet at present.

 

[mdobuk21]

Yeah, still here, active most evenings when I’ve been up.

 

[EX9]

They will be moving but no date confirmed at present.

 

[Finger66]

Where are they planned to move to?

 

[EX9]

East Midlands.

 

[Finger66]

@EX9 thank you

 

[A400]

East Midlands.

I was thinking they’d look at a quieter airfield HUY,MME or possibly Leeds East.

 

[White Heather]

I was thinking they’d look at a quieter airfield HUY,MME or possibly Leeds East.

Perhaps they need one that's open 24H all year round? Now, for example, Ok BBC A is closed at 2300 for runway repairs , so they are effectively grounded overnight. Leeds East isn't 24H is it? Not sure about MME. I can't imagine they have the demand to open overnight in winter.

 

[A400]

You make a good point I didn’t take that into account.

 

[EX9]

I was thinking they’d look at a quieter airfield HUY,MME or possibly Leeds East.

Amongst other operational requirements it doesn't fulfil the original purpose of them being central if they are too far north.

Fire cover and surfaced runway are also essential.

 

[White Heather]

I did of course type LBA is closed at night in my post but predictive text had other ideas which now I can't edit. Apologies.

 

[Finger66]

Amongst other operational requirements it doesn't fulfil the original purpose of them being central if they are too far north.

Fire cover and surfaced runway are also essential.

Strange there is nothing concrete then just now!!

 

[EX9]

There is more to it however, I'm not going to be more specific with it being a policing operation.

 

[Finger66]

Sirens is golden

 

[Len Fish]

Sirens is golden