Minnesota State Patrol Bell 429 helicopter. (MSP photo)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) — The Minnesota State Patrol has a new piece of equipment in its fleet- a Bell 429 helicopter.
The new helicopter joins two older-model Bell helicopters already used by troopers. The Bell 429 includes a side-mounted winch that can be used for rescue missions. The older helicopters do not have winch systems and have to land to rig a rope system. Chief Pilot Craig Benz says the Bell 429 can fly directly overhead without landing first, lower a rescuer and have the victim airborne in 10 to 15 minutes.
“It’s faster, safer and gets everyone — victim and rescuer — out of danger quicker,” Benz says. “That can mean everything in a crisis.”
The State Patrol also has two airplanes along with the three helicopters. All are used for traffic enforcement and search and rescue.
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