Polk County Sheriff’s Office MD 500E Pushback, Startup, and Takeoff

Polk County Sheriff’s Office MD 500E startup and takeoff for a vehicle pursuit. On Sunday, October 4th 2020, Polk County Sheriff's deputies attempted a stop on a white 4 door. The vehicle began to speed off and was failure to yield. Officers upgraded it to a pursuit and air was dispatched. From time of alarm, the air unit was up in under 6 minutes and assisted in the pursuit until the suspect was stopped.

[@coolcat6303]

Very cool 😎 I’ve loved the “killer egg”🚁 ever since I first saw them in “Magnum PI”. And I was really happy to see them also appear in big films like “Blue Thunder”, “Speed”, “Outbreak” and “Black Hawk Down”. They’re basic look hasn’t changed all that much, in 50 years, but they still look fast & stylish.

[@crazyralph6386]

Beauty ship, well maintained. Like my old base manager and +20K TT helicopter pilot once said “a clean machine is a MEAN machine!”. 😂

[@SkyBaum]

Just heard PCSO plans to auction the two MDs. Going to a full R66 fleet 🙃 IMO that's not a wise choice. At least keep one of the MDs!

[@RivalPlays481]

Agreed! Not a big fan of any of the Robinson helicopters just because of their safety track record. The guys at Polk don't seem to be enjoying their new one either.

[@SkyBaum]

@@RivalPlays481 I fly them since they are affordable. But if I had my choice it would be MD or Hughes 😃 One pilot said he was happy with it. The other one was quite discontent with the financial decision. Hey @least Robinson is made in the USA 🇺🇸 🦅

[@crazyralph6386]

That’s just crazy! Like switching from being a Metallica listener to Barry Manilow! 😂

[@simonsaren1162]

i got goosebumps when i hear the engine sound maaaaannn!!! i want to fly these MDs ❤️❤️❤️

[@HollywoodConnection-JAST]

yes! if only we could smell the Jet A fumes through the speakers, too

[@andyman1032]

wow love that engine sound my favourite helicopter

[@wayneschenk5512]

Well that door opening would get annoying over time.

[@RivalPlays481]

It isn't as bad as one might think. I'd much rather have the alarm so people stay clear and I know when the door is moving than not have it. The phone ringer is WAY worse than the door lol!

[@captaincurle4529]

Do you have to be a sworn police officer to be a helicopter mechanic for an LE agency?

[@RivalPlays481]

That's a fantastic question that I don't have a for sure answer to, but I believe they use an external company to service them, as opposed to having their own mechanics. Maybe someone else can chime in with some more insight.

[@riversideartglass]

1.2 mil plus in aircraft, and $1,010 an hour to fly. Kinda pricey!

[@eddwinnas]

for police thats like drop in the bucket

[@halimhalim8701]

Halim Talafuka,Alhamdulillahirobbil Alamiin,Allahumma Amiin.@$#.

[@marshalllord554]

Very impressive. Very different from the Hughes days. DB would be proud.

[@fo4mm209]

Nice bird !

[@SkyBaum]

#GradyJuddKeeptheMD500E

[@Stubby0266]

Love it. Stay safe out there.

[@jaredbrown3249]

Awesome machine

[@badsanta69]

2:27 !

[@paulos7089]

❤🚁🕪🎶🎶

[@privatesector0422]

That helicopter is too small for such a large man

[@RivalPlays481]

He fits just fine and is well within the operating spec.

[@crazyralph6386]

If you’re over 6ft 2, they can be very uncomfortable, and almost impossible to stick your head out for long line ops(especially wearing a helmet).

[@alexanderalbertoherreraros7544]

el policia deveria de verificar su helicoptero antes de encenderlo por precaicion

[@puretrouble1603]

Why would they buy such a short range helicopter???

[@RivalPlays481]

With a range of 174 miles, the MD really is sufficient for anything they are gonna be doing. Keep in mind that they have 2 of them and all of the neighboring counties have their own as well. Plenty of coverage to go around. Hope this helps with your question

[@westerlywinds5684]

Maneuverability too. Very agile!

[@coolcat6303]

@@westerlywinds5684 Yep. They’re like the sports cars of the helicopter 🚁 world.