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Created March 26, 2024 13:54
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Polair42
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polair42.md

Brisbane Police Helicopter

What is the helicopter's registration?

VH-NVK typically on squawk code 0042

What model is the helicopter?

It is a Eurocopter BO-105.

What is its call sign?

Polair42, pronounced polair fower too.

Can I hear the helicopter on the radio?

Yes. Between 1700-0700 (UTC+10), Archerfield Tower closes and all Archerfield traffic operates under Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) rules. You will hear Polair42 make its CTAF calls on 118.1MHz, which is on the VHF band. You can purchase a VHF receiver, which will work when you have line-of-sight with the helicopter or you can listen to 118.1MHz online (see below).

These radio calls are made when leaving Archerfield (YBAF) or when inbound to Archerfield from one of the VFR points (IAW ENR 1.1-42):

You will also find these points on a Brisbane/Gold Coast Visual Terminal Chart (VTC).

Radio calls are also made on 118.1MHz when Polair42 is keeping separation with other VFR traffic in the area.

Can I hear the helicopter's radio calls without a VHF radio receiver?

Yes. You can listen to 118.1MHz on liveatc.net.

http://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=ybaf

It is delayed by about 1 or 2 seconds.

Where is the helicopter hangared?

On the western side of Archerfield Airport (YBAF), at the end of Wirraway Avenue.

http://osm.org/go/ueDw5Jpt--?m=

Is the helicopter allowed to fly without lights?

Aircraft generally must comply with Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 -- 195. Polair42 flies under Night Visual Flying Rules (NVFR), like others, but also has an exemption for not displaying lights because it is also flying under Night Vision Imaging System rules.

Sometimes Polair42 displays lights at night regardless.

Night vision imaging system ratings and endorsements are covered under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation 1998 Part 61.P.1 (61.995 to 61.1035). Here are the interesting regulations:

Can I see the helicopter on a map when it is flying?

Polair42 is equipped with a Mode S ADS-B transponder. This means it can be seen on websites such as http://flightradar24.com/ or can be detected with a home-built ADS-B receiver such as stratux.

However, quite often Polair42 will turn the transponder off and some websites voluntarily block Polair42.

This map does not, and will never, block the police helicopter http://receiver.1090mhz.tmorris.net/ However, Polair42 is not always within range of its receiver.

Where can I find more information about Archerfield Airport?

Within the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP), Select the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA), then select the FAC for BRISBANE/Archerfield.

BRISBANE/Archerfield FAC

Here is a direct link.

How do you know?

I am a fixed-wing pilot based at Archerfield and am familiar with the local procedures.

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