Police helicopter pilot denies deliberately drawing obscene shape

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:04 · Archive

A National Police Air Service pilot has denied deliberately drawing a penis-shaped flight path while searching for a vehicle near Fleet, Hampshire.

A National Police Air Service helicopter's flight path over Fleet, Hampshire on Monday night appeared to form an obscene shape when plotted on online flight tracking data. The aircraft was supporting Thames Valley Police in searching for a vehicle that had allegedly failed to stop for police. NPAS denied the pattern was created deliberately, stating that the crew was simply 'orbiting the locations they were directed to as part of the search'.

Gordon Bird, 53, who lives in Ancells Farm, said he noticed the unusual shape while checking flight tracking data online after being woken by the helicopter repeatedly flying overhead at around 11pm. He reported that the visible flight path took approximately half an hour to create, with the overall operation lasting about an hour.

Bird said the helicopter caused significant disturbance to his home, with the building vibrating and windows rattling during the overflight. While he stated he was not angry, he expressed concern about 'the waste of resources'. NPAS maintained that the helicopter crew was conducting legitimate policing operations in response to their directions.

How it is being reported

• Pilot denies drawing penis in flight path with police helicopterA police pilot has denied drawing a penis in his flight path while flying a police helicopter.Oxfordshire Guardian · 4 Nov, 13:15
• Pilot denies drawing penis in flight path with police helicopterA police pilot has denied drawing a penis in his flight path while flying a police helicopter.Oxford Mail · 4 Nov, 13:15

In this story: National Police Air Service · Thames Valley Police · Fleet · Ancells Farm · Gordon Bird

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