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lafdairops

@lafdairops

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The Air Operations Section of your @losangelesfiredepartment has seven helicopters ready to serve. If you have an emergency, please call 911.

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Everyone sees the helicopter… but almost nobody knows what it takes to be on it. 🚁

Behind every flight is a team of pilots, paramedics, and crew members operating at a level most people will never see. The training. The pressure. The responsibility.

This is Under the Rotors—a weekly series taking you inside LAFD Air Operations to show you exactly what it takes to do this job.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes… you’re about to find out.

⬇️ Drop your questions below—what do you want to see first? taken in LAFD Fire Station 114 Air Operations by @lafdairops

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6 months ago

What happens when the engine quits… and you’re already in a hover?

In the Bell 505, there’s no room for hesitation. A hovering autorotation is one of the most critical emergency procedures a pilot can perform—executed in seconds, with precision, discipline, and trust in training.

Our pilots train daily to stay sharp under pressure, because when the unexpected happens, muscle memory takes over. Every rep, every drill, every scenario—built for the moment it matters most.

Prepared. Proficient. Ready.

Top 5 Hashtags:
#aviationtraining
#helicopterpilot
#emergencyprocedures
#aviationsafety
#flighttraining taken in LAFD Fire Station 114 Air Operations by @lafdairops

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6 months ago

USC vs. Oregon game day flyover! Nothing beats this view over the Coliseum. Let’s go Trojans!

#LAFD #AW139 #USC #FightOn

BeatTheDucks! taken in LA Coliseum For USC football. by @lafdairops

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15 days ago

Hoist Operation Training with @lafdairops

#hoistoperator #lafd #firerescue #aviationdaily
All shot on @freeflysystems #freeflyember by @lafdairops

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a month ago

Copter 4 flyover of Dodger Stadium with LAFD Air Ops for First Responder Night 🔥🚁

VC Air Unit Copter 4 joined LAFD’s Air Operations for a flyover of Dodger Stadium yesterday - in recognition of the L.A. Dodgers First Responder Night.

Thank you @lafdairops for your partnership during emergency incidents and special events.

Special thank you to the @dodgers for your unwavering support of first responders across Southern California.

#VCFD #LAFD #Dodgers #Helicopter #FirstResponders taken in Dodger Stadium by @lafdairops

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a month ago

The definitive inside look at LAFD Air Operations — across print, video, and audio. 🚁🔥

📖 Print: Jon Duke’s feature in Vertical Valor — “Inside LAFD Air Operations: The AW139 Crews Battling California’s Biggest Wildfires”
🎥 Visuals: On-site photo and video from @lloydhphoto
🎙️ Audio: A two-part special on The Hangar Z Podcast with Jon Gray, Jack Schonely, and guest Joel Smith — LAFD pilot and safety officer

Joel breaks down flying the AW139 through brutal Santa Ana winds, his path from firefighter to command pilot, and how his company Hero Aviation is using objective data to tackle fatigue risk management.
🎧 Stream both episodes on Vertical HeliCASTS
📰 Read the full feature in Vertical Valor
Connect with Joel & Hero Aviation:
🌐 heroaviationusa.com | 📲 @heroaviationusa
Presented in partnership with Valor Plus.

#LAFD #Helicopter #Aviation #InstaAviation by @lafdairops

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a month ago

@lafdairops 💪
@losangelesfiredepartment taken in Glendale, California by @lafdairops

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a month ago

Because of LAFD Foundation donors, Air Operations utilizes technology and equipment that support some of #LAFD’s most specialized rescues.

From modernized flight tracking systems and night vision goggles to portable helicopter starters and the harnesses used to hoist people from rough terrain and fast-moving waters, your support helps Air Operations respond when and where they’re needed most.

Join us for the livestream of “A Stronger LAFD: Because of You,” highlighting all the ways you have helped LAFD firefighters stay prepared to keep Los Angeles safe.

Tune in to our YouTube channel tomorrow, Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM 🔗 Link in bio. by @lafdairops

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a month ago

Helicopter water drops from @lafdairops Walnut IC Burbank brush fire. Full video is on YouTube, link in bio. #brush #fire #helicopter #water #california taken in Burbank, California by @lafdairops

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2 months ago

Burbank, CA | Walnut • IC || The Walnut Fire first broke out in the 1500 block of E. Walnut Avenue near DeBell Golf Club and Wildwood Canyon Park on Saturday afternoon. #follow #breakingnews #burbank #fire #photography by @lafdairops

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2 months ago

At 10:35 this morning LAFD units were dispatched to a brush fire in Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium. Luckily for us, an actual photo journalist was walking their dog and captured this amazing footage of LAFD Air Ops (H3/Fire 3) doing what they do best. Thank you @photospice for sharing this video with us.
93 firefighters contained the fire to 3/4 of an acre, stopping all forward progress in 55 minutes. #lafd #firefighter #losangeles #brushfire #barbaradavidson by @lafdairops

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2 months ago

Training doesn’t start when the call comes in.

This week, LAFD Air Operations had the opportunity to train alongside the Mountain Bike Unit as we continue strengthening our partnership for backcountry rescues throughout Los Angeles.

Whether it’s an injured hiker, mountain biker, or someone in a location inaccessible by ground, these collaborative trainings ensure every agency understands each other’s capabilities before an emergency ever happens.

Because when every second counts, teamwork shouldn’t be introduced on scene—it should already exist.

🤝 Huge thanks to @mountainbikeunit , @santamonicamountainsnps @angelesstateparks and @mrcaparks for the opportunity to train together. We’re proud to work alongside organizations dedicated to serving the people of Los Angeles.

#lafdairops
#searchandrescue
#helicopterrescue
#mountainrescue
#teamworksaveslives taken in LAFD Fire Station 114 Air Operations by @lafdairops

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2 months ago