SYRACUSE -- The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department has a new opportunity to raise money for the Air 1 helicopter.
Sheriff Kevin Walsh confirms to CNY Central the Federal Aviation Administration has certified Air 1 for commercial flight. That means the sheriff's department will be able to charge insurance companies for medical flights using the helicopter. Sheriff Walsh says any money totals would be speculative, but this could mean the department could charge $8,500 to $10,000 per flight, depending on the situation and the insurance company.
The Air 1 Foundation hosted a ceremony Tuesday afternoon where representatives from the FAA presented Walsh and the Air 1 flight crew with a Part 135 Commercial Air Carrier Certificate. The event was held at the Onondaga County Sheriff's heliport on Cessna Drive.
Air 1's budget has been a contentious issue recently. It costs about $600,000 per year to keep the helicopter flying. Some Onondaga County legislators have tried to cut all funding for the chopper. In December, the Legislature voted to save it, but the sheriff's department still has to come up with some of the funding.
Over the past few months, the Sheriff's Office has worked closely with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer who has supported Sheriff Walsh's efforts to the aviation program. "Senator Schumer acknowledges the vital role Air 1 plays in providing public safety to Onondaga County and the surrounding area. He helped the Air 1 Foundation obtain not-for-profit status and personally requested that the FAA expedite the application review." said Sheriff Walsh.
Sheriff Walsh has said he will look into a corporate sponsorship to help pay for the helicopter. He has also started an Air 1 Foundation to raise private donations.
