Aviation Command
The Aviation Command provides critical services across Maryland, including emergency medical flights, law enforcement support, search and rescue, homeland security, and disaster response. These services are paid for through a fee on vehicle registrations, so users are not charged.
The Command operates 24/7 from seven bases using ten Agus
ta AW139 helicopters and two airplanes. A team of more than 200 civilian and sworn staff keeps these services ready at all times.
History
The Maryland State Police Aviation Command started in 1961 to support law enforcement and search and rescue from the air. Today, crews help find missing people, track suspects, monitor events, and support officers on the ground.
In 1970, the program became the first civilian service to transport a critically injured patient by helicopter. This effort was led by R Adams Cowley of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. His approach helped shape modern emergency medical transport and continues to save lives.
The Aviation Command is the only program in Maryland that provides all of these services using the same aircraft and crews.
The Command is structured into two main divisions.
Flight Operations Division
This highly visible division comprises pilots, medical personnel, flight crews, and supervisors who directly perform the command's missions. This Division includes:
- Helicopter Sections
- Fixed Wing Section
- SYSCOM (Aviation Communications Center)
- Medical Training
- Flight Training
Support Operations Division
This division supports the mission through key services such as aircraft maintenance, procurement, building upkeep, materials management, human resources, and IT support.
Support Operations include:
- Procurement and logistics
- Personnel
- Training
- Planning and management
- Computer systems and networking
- Facilities management