301804

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: August 26, 2025  Amends – SO 3.0 ( February 20, 2024 ) Number: 3.0 Distribution: All Aviation Personnel Review Month: April Reviewing Authority: SOD / Aviation Subject: Aviation This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Definitions 3. Procedure 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for all personnel in the Aviation Section. Safety is at the forefront of all our processes and the Aviation Section is committed to developing, implementing, and improving strategies to m aintain the highest level of safety standards. 2. Definitions A. Aviation Maintenance Staff – civilian manager, mechanics, and avionics technicians. The Aviation Maintenance Staff is, at minimum, holders of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Mechanic ce rtificates with Airframe and Powerplant ratings. The Aviation Maintenance Staff is responsible for the safe condition and maintenance of agency aircraft and recordkeeping in accordance with applicable law. B. Aviation Database – An online aviation managemen t software program, focusing on streamlining operations and improving compliance for operations including managing maintenance schedules, tracking inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing resource allocation. C. Chief Pilot – a sworn, rated aircraft pilot assigned to the Aviation Section. In addition to having Pilot -in-Command (PI C) responsibilities, the Chief Pilot is responsible for the coordination of flight training for Aviation pilots, standardization of training plans, and the maintenance of currency and proficiency among Agency pilots. D. Chief TFO - a sworn aircraft TFO assigned to the Aviation Section. In addition to having Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) responsibilities, the Chief TFO is responsible for the coordination of flight training for TFOs, standardization of training plans, and the maintenance of currency and proficiency among TFOs. E. Crew Resource Management (CRM) - an operational philosophy that stresses effective information exchange among crew members, and the utilization of crew as a resource to reduce pilot workload. 3.0, Page 2 of 25 F. Equip ment Officer – a sworn member of the Aviation Section who is responsible for assigned aviation specialty equipment. G. Instructor Pilot – an agency Pilot, reserve Pilot, or civilian Pilot holding an FAA Certified Flight Instructor rating for the category and class of aircraft used for training Agency pilots. H. Part-Time and Reserve Pilot – a sworn or civilian agency member who is not assigned full -time to the Aviation Section, but who is qualified and current to act as PIC of agency aircraft. Part -time and Re serve pilots have the same duties and responsibilities as full time Agency pilots, and are governed by applicable agency policy. I. Pilot – a full -time, sworn or civilian member of the agency responsible for operating agency aircraft and exercising PIC authority in accordance with applicable federal law. Pilots shall possess, at a minimum, a commercial pilot certificate for the category and class of aircraft being operated . J. Safety Officer – a full -time, sworn member of the Aviation Section responsible for safety oversight of the section and the execution of the Aviation Section safety program. K. Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) – a sworn, full -time, part -time, or reserve mem ber of the Aviation Section responsible for air -ground coordination of law enforcement operations. As a member of the aircrew, the TFO primarily operates the aircraft onboard surveillance and observation equipment. L. TFO/Pilot Trainee – A full time TFO who possesses a valid rotor or fixed wing pilot certificate issued by the FAA. M. Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP) – An external, load carrying, appliance authorized for use with the agency Bell 407 helicopters. 3. Procedures A. General Function The Aviation Section will provide air support services for the agency and work with all law enforcement and investigative divisions. The Aviation Section will also provide mission support to various state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, as well as other governmental entities as required. B. Organization The Aviation Section consists of Section command, Pilots, Tactical Flight Officers and Aviation Maintenance Staff 1. Pilots and TFOs are organized into squads according to a shift plan approved by the Aviation Section Commander. 2. The designations of Chief Pilot, Safety Officer, and Equipment Officer are 3.0, Page 3 of 25 ancillary duties, in addition to the members’ primary job functions. 3. Qualified sworn and civilian members of the agency may participate in Aviation Section operations as part of the Part -Time and Reserve Pilot Program, with the approval of the Aviation Section Commander. a. Part-time and reserve pilots must meet the same qualification, currency, and proficiency standards as f ull-time pilots in order to act as PIC in agency aircraft. b. Part-time and reserve pilots are expected to work a minimum of two shifts per month and may act as an Instructor Pilot, if qualified, with the approval of the Aviation Section Commander or desig nee. 4. Chief Pilot The role of Chief Pilot is to coordinate flight training and proficiency of Aviation pilots, including part -time and reserve pilots. The Chief Pilot shall be designated by the Aviation Section Commander. The Chief Pilot shall, at a minimum, perform the following tasks: a. Verify that pilots meet the minimum qualifications to act as PIC of agency aircraft in