How the DEA, FBI, and DOJ Use Lycoming-Powered Aircraft for Operations

We have talked about the FBI and its fleet of aircraft in past articles, but it was more topical than anything, talking about the types of aircraft they use and how they use them. But what about the heart of the aircraft, the thing that propels all powered aircraft into flight? The engine is arguably the most important individual component on any airplane, so why not talk about it in depth? The engines that power FBI planes must be reliable, powerful, and durable to tackle any mission. But it isn’t just the FBI; the DEA and the rest of the DOJ operate piston-powered airplanes, too. 

These agencies rely on Lycoming engines for flight operations. We are an authorized Lycoming distributor, supplying both new and factory-remanufactured engines for qualifying agencies. Read on to see how!

The Importance of Aviation in Federal Law Enforcement

Aviation is one of the most highly sought-after resources in law enforcement’s arsenal, and it is also one of the most scarce. Aviation assets cost a lot of money to procure, a lot of money to maintain, and the learning curve is steep for pilots and aircrews. Also, the threshold for entry is high for pilots. 

But aviation gives law enforcement on the ground an unmatched ability to see what is happening at a given time and place. Helicopters are a popular and versatile platform for law enforcement flight operations, but they are much more expensive to operate and maintain. 

Federal law enforcement agencies rely heavily on aerial surveillance to conduct all kinds of operations. The FBI prefers to operate aircraft that blend in with civil aircraft, even going as far as registering them under fake LLCs to preserve privacy. There is no standardized paint scheme for these airplanes, either.

Other entities, like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, are more open about their affiliation and overtly mark their fleet. No matter whether they choose a clandestine approach or overt markings and unmasked registration, the missions are similar enough: eyes in the sky show you what is going on in real time, and fixed-wing piston airplanes do this cheaper than anything else. 

Overview of Lycoming-Powered Aircraft in Government Use

The U.S. federal government owns and operates more Cessna monoplanes than anyone else, most of which are owned by the Civil Air Patrol. However, the federal government also operates a few hundred other piston-powered single-engine airplanes, most of which are also Cessnas. The preferred models are Cessna 182/182T and 206/206T, thanks to their excellent payload and durability. Both aircraft use variants of the Lycoming IO-540 engine, which gives you 230 horsepower for the Skylane and 300 horsepower for the Stationair. 

Mission Types Supported by Lycoming-Powered Aircraft

A few different mission profiles exist for single-engine piston aircraft (and piston twins, which will operate similar missions). The most common aircraft are the Cessna 182 and 206 (and a few common variations), which offer four or six seats, respectively. 

Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations

Surveillance and reconnaissance operations are one of the most prolific uses of Lycoming-powered aircraft in law enforcement. For local surveillance, these aircraft offer the lowest cost in terms of fuel, maintenance, and repair costs by a wide margin. The closest competitor would be a helicopter, but helicopters cannot come close to the loiter time of a Cessna, and the Cessnas commonly used do not need much in terms of facilities or runway length. They can efficiently operate out of almost every public airport in the U.S.

Personnel Transport and Tactical Deployment

Cessnas are a great option for moving personnel around, especially when only a few individuals need to be moved. A two—or three-hour drive turns into a 30-minute flight, and an eight-hour drive is a couple of hours in the air. 

Border and Drug Interdiction Support

CBP operates a fleet of Cessna 206 aircraft for border interdiction support, mainly for surveillance and reconnaissance. These aircraft are much cheaper than helicopters, loiter longer, and can cruise at comparable speeds to most helicopters. If the mission does not require vertical takeoff and landing, fixed-wing piston aircraft are a huge cost saver. 

Why Lycoming Engines Are Ideal for Law Enforcement Missions

Lycoming is a historically proven manufacturer of light aircraft engines with decades of experience. Cessnas and other small aircraft using Lycomings fly all over the world every day, often flying into some of the harshest environments in the world. 

Availability of Factory-New and Remanufactured Engines

Here is where things get a little more dicey. We recently wrote about Lycoming zero-time engines and the lead times associated with them. Depending on the engine model, the lead time is between one and two years at any given time. 

Your maintenance team should plan accordingly. Depending on how many flight hours per year you put on the aircraft, you may need to order up to two or three years ahead of time. 

Ease of Maintenance and Lifecycle Support

Greenwood Aerospace is not only a procurement specialist for Lycoming engines but can also procure a full line of OEM parts for them. Lycoming engines are known for extreme reliability and durability, but all machines break. When they do, we can source and procure whatever parts you need.

Contact our team of experts at (580) 762-2580 to learn what we can do for you and your Lycoming-related parts procurement needs. 

Supporting Government Aviation: Greenwood Aerospace and Lycoming Procurement

Greenwood Aerospace has deep roots in the Lycoming-powered aircraft market. We are only a short drive away from Wichita and maintain strong ties in the area. We will get your Lycoming parts ordered fast and at always-competitive prices. Also, remember that you should work with us early to secure a spot for a new or factory remanufactured Lycoming engine for your aircraft. With lead times of up to two years, you need to get in line early, so give us a call. 

Greenwood Aerospace is U.S. Department of State ITAR-registered, allowing us to partner with large defense contractors on various military initiatives for exporting ITAR-controlled items.

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If you have any questions about what we offer or stock, call us at (580) 762-2580 or email us at contact@governmentprocurement.com.