Great Ride-Along w/ SDSO ASTREA

[BigStiCK]

Just wanted to say a big Thanks to Deputies Tom & Will with the San Diego Sheriff's Air-Ops unit (ASTREA). Had a great 2 hour fly-along with them in their beautiful Bell 407 "Long Ranger". Was my first time in a helicopter that I wasn't at the controls of so I got to see what it was like to bounce around in the back as 'Ballast'.

Anyway, we got in on a foot pursuit right out of the gate that lasted a good 25-30 minutes. Dude was a gazelle. Tom & Will did a superb job of coordinating with ground units and the BG ended up going to jail real tired. I had a perfect God's-eye view of the action from 500 feet.

After things settled a bit we took a tour around the county & down the coast. Beautiful Day! I was really impressed with all the folks I met at ASTREA & wanted to pass on to all the peeps in San Diego County what an awesome group of Pros you have patrolling your skies.

Thanks Guys!

[BadKitty]

Oh that's really cool! I'm glad you had such a great opportunity and experience.

[kelsodeez]

Man, That sounds like an awesome ride along!

[Jdjones24]

Hey that's my work lol

[Mickael81]

Niiice.... you must know someone important
I doubt I could get a ride along with ASTREA... and I’m SDSO.

[TrailerparkTrash]

They don't give their own deputies rides????

[GizmoSD]

Yes, they do. Familiarization flights are usually a part of patrol phase training.

[tnlrat37]