The State Patrol Flight Section's primary mission is to help with traffic safety and enforcement. Trained trooper pilots with a bird's-eye view support troopers on the ground. They assist with speed enforcement and even reduce the risk in pursuits. This can lead to safer outcomes.

Pilots also help search for missing or hiding people, monitor public events, and transport vital blood supplies in emergencies.

Traffic safety details​

There are two methods of traffic enforcement using air support.  

The traditional speed detail involves a pilot in the air working with troopers on the ground. This takes place in a pre-planned location marked for airborne speed enforcement. Roadway engineers paint white strips on the road at quarter-mile intervals. The pilot starts a stopwatch when a vehicle passes the first white marker and uses this timing to calculate the vehicle’s speed as it passes through one or more zones. The pilot then informs the ground troopers to stop the vehicle so they can carry out the enforcement.

Another method of traffic enforcement uses technology on the Cirrus SR22 aircraft. The crew looks for vehicles that show signs of reckless, distracted or impaired driving based on driving complaints and observations. When they find such vehicles, they alert troopers on the ground to pull them over. The team often records the driving behavior to help prosecutors. Having the aircraft for these patrols allows for a rapid response to pursuits and helps other agencies.  

Searches

The Flight Section also helps with search-and-find missions. These differ from search-and-rescue missions in that the person does not want to be found. Search-and-find missions typically take place after a person flees from law enforcement. For example: someone leaves a traffic stop or a crime scene. The air unit helps ground units search for the person using either a daytime camera or an infrared camera. Pilots can cover large areas and tough terrain faster and more effectively than ground units. Once the air unit spots a suspicious person, they guide the ground units on the best way to approach and make contact.

Rescues​

The Flight Section uses Bell 407 helicopters for rescues. Working with the St. Paul Fire Department, the Minnesota Air Response Team (MART) supports any public safety agency in rescue operations, including the initial search.  

Once a person in need is located, the crew will first guide ground units on how to reach them. If an air rescue is necessary, MART will assess everyone's safety to choose the best method. Methods include close-quarter landing, hovering or rappelling.