Surveillance and Aviation

The FBI collects intelligence using both air and ground surveillance to prevent and disrupt terrorist and criminal activity. In 2009, the Bureau consolidated its mobile and aviation surveillance assets under one section within CIRG. The newly formed Surveillance and Aviation Section (SAS) provides ground and aviation support for all facets of our intelligence, investigative, and law enforcement activities. This capability is critical for collecting intelligence in support of national security and investigative matters.

The SAS—through the Field Flight Operations Unit (FFOU)—oversees the Bureau’s aircraft fleet, which provides aerial surveillance and intelligence collection, thermal and video imagery, crisis response, and transportation of emergency response personal, equipment, and evidence.

SAS also provides modern jets and other aircraft that respond to crisis situations domestically and around the world. Personnel within the Special Flight Operations Unit (SFOU) can deploy worldwide, including assignments in combat theaters. Capabilities include foreign transfer-of-custody flights for high-profile terrorism and criminal subjects and the delivery of hazardous and explosive material to crime laboratories located throughout the United States.

To support the FBI’s aviation mission, CIRG maintains a rigorous aircraft maintenance and quality control program. Along with mandatory pilot training, these programs have produced a safety record per flight hour that is unmatched by general aviation or any other government agency. It is the responsibility of CIRG’s Aviation Support Unit (ASU) to ensure that all Bureau flight operations are conducted safely.