Coast Guard to Increase Helicopter Flights Over Ocean City

The aircrews of Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City will increase helicopter flights over Ocean City, among other areas, from Wednesday, April 6-Friday, May 6, the Coast Guard said on Friday.

The reason for the increased flights is to conduct annual Rotary Wing Air Intercept pilot training, the first step in the qualification process for newly assigned pilots.

Following certification, pilots are responsible for national airspace security missions over the nation’s capital and other critical areas throughout the country.

One prominent mission is the interception of potentially hostile aircraft entering into restricted airspace.

In addition to Ocean City, increased flights will take place over he inland waterways between Barnegat and Tuckerton, as well as Stone Harbor.

To qualify for these missions, each pilot must complete a syllabus, including classes, in-flight training, as well as written and oral examinations. Once qualified, pilots are required to complete periodic training flights to maintain proficiency.

To properly complete introductory training, instructors and crews from Air Station Atlantic City and the National Capital Region Air Defense Facility must fly at least two flights approximately once per day for six weeks.

Air Station Atlantic City will continue to maintain two search-and-rescue response crews, which will be flying various operational and training missions.

Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Lt. Darin Coleman, Air Station Atlantic City public affairs officer, at 609-677-2096. During non-business hours, please contact the operations center at 609-677-2222.

The attached images were provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.