Border patrol : procurement of MD 600N helicopters should be reassessed : report to the Honorable Duncan Hunter, House of Representatives / United States General Accounting Office.
System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
Mode of access: Internet from the GPO Access web site.
Note
Title from title screen.
"September 2000."
Paper version available from the General Accounting Office.
"GAO/GGD-00-201."
"B-284951"--Page 1.
Summary
The U.S. Border patrol is procuring a new type of helicopter--the MD 600N--to replace its aging helicopter fleet. The MD 600N is expected to meet various air operations requirements, such as low and slow surveillance and transport of agents. This report provides information and analysis on the MD 600N procurement and whether the MD 600N has been effective in safely supporting the Border Patrol's primary air operations mission. Most Border Patrol pilots experienced in flying the MD 600N and most sector chiefs had strong reservations about the helicopter's suitability for key missions. The pilots were also concerned with the aircraft's safety, citing difficulty in performing emergency maneuvers. Two of the three law enforcement agencies with MD 600Ns that GAO spoke with shared many of the same concerns. GAO recommends that INS: (1) address issues raised by pilots and mechanics before buying more MD 600Ns; and (2) reassess its purchase decision.
