Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft... How does it work?

Jimellow · 12-29-2006, 08:58 AM

I was driving to Barnes & Noble today, and opted to take the highway. In PA, the police generally use VASCAR (timed speed over a set distance) to get speeders, and thus there are often two white lines spaced apart on highways, especially near overpasses.

While I was on the highway today, I was in the left lane, behind a tractor trailer, and after looking back to see if a cop car were camping a common area, I instead saw a helicopter hovering in the air!

I had seens the "Speed Enforced by Aircraft" signs previously, but never really put much belief in the notion that police departments actually spend the money to put a chopper in flight solely to nab speeders.

On my return trip, I opted to take the highway home again, in the hopes of seeing the chopper again. I did, but this time it was very high in the sky, doing a sort of flyover.

I am now curious how this system works.

Does the chopper call down to a car on the ground, who then pulls speeders over? Or does it get liscense plates and mail tickets?

Also, what does the chopper use to get speed? VASCAR? Radar? It's my understanding that only state troopers can use radar in PA, and providing they aren't the ones up in the chopper, I suspect VASCAR would be the method of determining one's speed.

I am mildly curious if I could get a ticket mailed to me, as I am pretty sure I was doing about ten MPH over when I saw the helicopter initially. I am not too concerned about my personal experience, but am curious about how the process works.

I guess my two primary questions are in regards to how specifically one's speed is determined, as well as how the speeder is notified (pulled over, or mailed a ticket).

Interesting stuff. It's made me think about the chances of me being caught, given that the highway was full and my car just one of many. Ironically, there was a point on the return trip that I was going faster, despite me being there to catch a glimpse of the helicopter a second time.

Then again, I suspect it's possible the chopper wasn't there to get speeders at all, but given the fact that I saw it hovering in the sky near a marked speeding area, I am pretty sure it was there for that reason.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, feedback, or even experiences with those familiar with speed being enforced by aircraft. I think I might go for a little drive again, just to see if I can witness this again. It's a first for me, and kind of exciting!

12-29-2006, 08:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	Speed Limit Enforced by Aircraft... How does it work? I was driving to Barnes & Noble today, and opted to take the highway. In PA, the police generally use VASCAR (timed speed over a set distance) to get speeders, and thus there are often two white lines spaced apart on highways, especially near overpasses. While I was on the highway today, I was in the left lane, behind a tractor trailer, and after looking back to see if a cop car were camping a common area, I instead saw a helicopter hovering in the air! I had seens the "Speed Enforced by Aircraft" signs previously, but never really put much belief in the notion that police departments actually spend the money to put a chopper in flight solely to nab speeders. On my return trip, I opted to take the highway home again, in the hopes of seeing the chopper again. I did, but this time it was very high in the sky, doing a sort of flyover. I am now curious how this system works. Does the chopper call down to a car on the ground, who then pulls speeders over? Or does it get liscense plates and mail tickets? Also, what does the chopper use to get speed? VASCAR? Radar? It's my understanding that only state troopers can use radar in PA, and providing they aren't the ones up in the chopper, I suspect VASCAR would be the method of determining one's speed. I am mildly curious if I could get a ticket mailed to me, as I am pretty sure I was doing about ten MPH over when I saw the helicopter initially. I am not too concerned about my personal experience, but am curious about how the process works. I guess my two primary questions are in regards to how specifically one's speed is determined, as well as how the speeder is notified (pulled over, or mailed a ticket). Interesting stuff. It's made me think about the chances of me being caught, given that the highway was full and my car just one of many. Ironically, there was a point on the return trip that I was going faster, despite me being there to catch a glimpse of the helicopter a second time. Then again, I suspect it's possible the chopper wasn't there to get speeders at all, but given the fact that I saw it hovering in the sky near a marked speeding area, I am pretty sure it was there for that reason. I'd appreciate any thoughts, feedback, or even experiences with those familiar with speed being enforced by aircraft. I think I might go for a little drive again, just to see if I can witness this again. It's a first for me, and kind of exciting! __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.