Helicopter pilots serving in Troop T, the aviation unit of the Kansas Highway Patrol, are to be the subject of an investigation by the Governor’s office following complaints tabled by two of the state’s legislators, according to reports in local media.
According to the complaints, pilots have undertaken flight training not required or beneficial to the state’s aviation unit. Further examination of the substance of the allegations by RotorHub International reveals that the complaint cites pilots undertaking night vision goggles (NVG) and carrying out training sorties when operational demand is low.
How enhancing night operations capability for law enforcement and search and rescue operations or maintaining pilot currency and recency is a waste of state funds is not made clear in the complaint.
