NCJ Number
185008
Date Published
September 2000
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This study provides information and analysis on the procurement of the MD 600N helicopter as part of the U.S. Border Patrol's replacement for its aging helicopter fleet and assesses whether experience has shown the MD 600N helicopter to be effective in safely supporting the Border Patrol's primary air operations mission; information is also provided on the Border Patrol's air operations mission and resources.
Abstract
The procurement in which the Immigration and Naturalization Service selected the MD 600N helicopter for the Border Patrol was intended to provide an aircraft capable of meeting a variety of air operations requirements, such as low and slow surveillance and transport of agents and mission equipment. The Border Patrol also purchased 11 of these helicopters for approximately $1.3 million each. The contract contains options to purchase up to 34 additional helicopters over a 4-year period. Most Border Patrol pilots who have had experience flying the MD 600N and most sector chiefs expressed strong reservations about the suitability of the helicopter for supporting key air operations missions. Particularly, the pilots reported that the MD 600N is inferior to the smaller aircraft being replaced for low-level, low-speed surveillance. The pilots were concerned about the safety of the MD 600N, citing difficulty in performing emergency procedures and with other documented problems, such as malfunctioning of the engine control system and defective control cables. This study recommends that before any more MD 600Ns are purchased, Border Patrol officials and MD Helicopters, Inc., address the safety, handling, and availability issues raised by pilots and mechanics. It also recommends that the Border Patrol reassess its decision to purchase one type of multipurpose helicopter to meet a variety of air operations requirements. 1 table, 6 figures, and appended comments from the U.S. Department of Justice and General Accounting Office contacts and staff acknowledgements