The original Air 1 police helicopter has a new home.
The helicopter, which first took to the sky in 2001, is on permanent display at the Alberta Aviation Museum.
“This is an integral part of Edmonton’s aviation history,” says Jean Lauzon, executive director of the museum.
In its two decades of operation, Air 1 proved itself to be a fundamental part of EPS operations and an invaluable investment in community safety.
The fact that Air 1 made it into the air at all was due to the work of a dedicated group of EPS employees who eventually became the first flight crew, and a grass roots movement from the community.
“Everybody remembers the fundraising campaign,” says museum curator Ryan Lee.
The Spotlight on Safety campaign raised $1 million, with everyday Edmontonians donating most of the funds.
Air 1 made its public debut on August 5, 2001, at Heritage Days.
On August 8th, took off from the City Centre Airport for its first patrol flight.
During its lifetime, the helicopter responded to more than 50,000 events and was often the first police vehicle on scene.
Museum volunteers spent hundreds of hours refurbishing the helicopter, getting all the details just right: “We always make sure when we are done it should like it could go out the door and be flying.”
Lauzon says, “People in Edmonton need to be proud of what Air 1 and law enforcement have done for the city of Edmonton.”
Visit the Alberta Aviation Museum website to plan your visit.