Helicopters flying at night in GPW

**animatedmartian** · October-16-14, 10:03 PM

I'm in Eastpointe and one just passed probably an hour ago heading east. Other than the navigator lights, I couldn't make out the sort of helicopter it was or what colors it was shaded [[especially since I was looking from inside a lit room). It was also flying pretty low.

In the daytime, I've seen Coast Guard helicopters fly at similar heights but there were always going north-south. In the end, I assumed this recent helicopter to be another Coast Guard one just flying in a different direction. The points of the navigation lights seem to fit that of a Coast Guard heli.

**Gannon** · October-17-14, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by animatedmartian

I'm in Eastpointe and one just passed probably an hour ago heading east. Other than the navigator lights, I couldn't make out the sort of helicopter it was or what colors it was shaded [[especially since I was looking from inside a lit room). It was also flying pretty low.

In the daytime, I've seen Coast Guard helicopters fly at similar heights but there were always going north-south. In the end, I assumed this recent helicopter to be another Coast Guard one just flying in a different direction. The points of the navigation lights seem to fit that of a Coast Guard heli.

My Facebook feed is littered with stories of home invasions in GP Farms. Perhaps they've got some eyes in the sky over that. I hope so.

**animatedmartian** · October-17-14, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

My Facebook feed is littered with stories of home invasions in GP Farms. Perhaps they've got some eyes in the sky over that. I hope so.

From what I read in the news not to long ago was that there was just one guy doing the most recent ones. Even so, the helicopter I saw didn't have a spot light on the front of it like a news/police chopper would.

**Honky Tonk** · October-18-14, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by animatedmartian

From what I read in the news not to long ago was that there was just one guy doing the most recent ones. Even so, the helicopter I saw didn't have a spot light on the front of it like a news/police chopper would.

Spotlights are a thing of the past. The newer ones are equipt with night vision technology. CG choppers are bright orange and have that distinctive turbine sound. They usually guard, well, "the coast". Unless they're in pursuit.

**Jimaz** · October-18-14, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk

Spotlights are a thing of the past. The newer ones are equipt with night vision technology....

I would assume that spotlights still have value for illuminating the scene for others on the ground who don't have night vision. On the other hand, they might make an enticing target.

**Gannon** · October-18-14, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Jimaz

I would assume that spotlights still have value for illuminating the scene for others on the ground who don't have night vision. On the other hand, they might make an enticing target.

Hell, with all the new shot-triangulating streetlights going up, they should force a common target, especially a well-armored one that is tough to hit, and likely impossible to kill. Ever try to shoot out a half-million candlepower spotlight? I cannot even imagine aiming towards it...I like my retinae. Really.

Cheers!

**Jimaz** · October-18-14, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Gannon

... Ever try to shoot out a half-million candlepower spotlight?...

Not since I lost my welder's goggles.

**Gpwrangler** · October-17-14, 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

My Facebook feed is littered with stories of home invasions in GP Farms. Perhaps they've got some eyes in the sky over that. I hope so.

City Airport is probably the source of a lot of this traffic, as well as several hospitals in the area. I know they just busted a ring of folks that was doing the home invasions in GPW and the south end of GPP but those pursuits seemed to be on the ground, not in the air.