Speeding cop gets his job back
Three members of the Western Counties Air Operation Unit (WCAOU) asked to be transferred after a helicopter pilot who was originally sacked for dangerous driving was allowed back to work.
Ian Kingston is once again a fully operational pilot for the unit that regularly flies over the Bristol area.
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He was convicted in November 2007, banned and fined £2,000 for hurtling down a 40mph coned-off area of the M5 near Cribbs Causeway at 110mph in his BMW.
Mr Kingston, 52, technically got his job back in April 2008 after appealing, but was not allowed back to work straight away.
During his time off work he was paid in full, but now Avon and Somerset police have deemed he is fit to return to his job.
The Evening Post received an anonymous tip-off that since Mr Kingston was fully reinstated, three police air observers asked to be transferred to different sections of the force.
Although the police have confirmed the transfers went through, no reasons have been given as to why they made requests.
Before Mr Kingston returned to work, he "underwent independent assessments due to his specialist role".
A spokesman for the WCAOU said: "As there are no safety concerns, we can confirm Mr Kingston has returned to work as a fully operational member of the WCAOU.
"Three air observers have been redeployed into other areas of policing, following transfer requests. Arrangements are well-advanced for their replacement."
When asked whether the transfers have had a detrimental effect in terms of getting out to incidents and emergencies in the region, the spokesman said: "This is an operational issue that we're not prepared to disclose."
The unit – a consortium of the Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire constabularies – provides air support and surveillance for both forces. It comprises an inspector, a sergeant and eight constables drawn from both constabularies.
All the observers are experienced police officers. The four ex-military pilots, directly employed by the consortium, fly the helicopters.
The observers have to pass a series of stringent tests before they are selected for training. Then it takes a total of seven weeks to train them up.
After that, they have to pass an exam every six months to ensure they are performing at the highest levels.
There are several reserve observers who are available to be called upon, should the need arise. The aircraft is based at Filton Airfield.
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by John, Bristol
Tuesday, July 07 2009, 9:31AM
“No 'Fireman' you are right, I am not a qualified aircraft engineer or a psychologist which would, in some way, qualify the use of 'could' and 'seems'.
Many of my friends and acquaintances are though.
However, I have been around aircraft long enough to know when something does not sound right and, living under the flight path at Filton for many years to know the difference.
I have also lived long enough to judge people and how they react, I hesitate to use the words 'may react', in a given situation.
Simple analogy perhaps but the following may help.
I am not a qualified auto engineer but I know, as probably do you, when my car isn't working properly.
To bring this down to the level that others are commenting upon, "it not what you know but who ..." etc.
I will only add that, if I committed the same offence I would not be employed by my present employers and I have a much less responsible, but no less important, job.”
by RAYMOND, brislington
Monday, July 06 2009, 6:54PM
“Disgraceful, not what you know, but who you know, eh?!....”
by Fireman, Bristol
Monday, July 06 2009, 6:28PM
“"i would of loved to hear his excuse when he got stopped by he fellow policemen"
The fact he is a PILOT, who just happens to work for the police has esacped you then, Chris? If a pilot of the air ambulance broke his leg, would he be treated by a 'fellow paramedic'?”
by Fireman, Bristol
Monday, July 06 2009, 6:24PM
“Sorry John, but "how Kingston drove his car could be indicative of his personality or part of it and that could render him likely to make judgements that would be wrong." That is your opinion, and your opinion only. The fact that you use the word 'could' speaks volumes. Also "seems to be flown at the extreme of its' operating capability most of the time". 'Seems'? If you are a helicopter pilot or engineer then I bow to your knowledge, however, having visited the unit and spoken at length to the crew, including a couple of pilots, (one of which may have been Mr Kingston), the aircraft is not operating 'at the extreme of its' operating capability'. It has two engines and can fly safely on one, so, rest assured, the (VERY professional) pilots know what they are doing! As one told me, 'We always have a bit in reserve, just in case'! Same with the air ambulance.
They don't give commercial helicopter pilot's licences out with Greenshield Stamps, you know.”
by Horatio Cane, New York
Monday, July 06 2009, 5:36PM
“Getting to like my daily look at these columns. George must be a sad lonely old git who sits at home all day filling in comment boards cause he's now't else to do. Seems he needs to comment on every story.”