CHP Office of Air Operations - Thermal Air Unit

CHP Office of Air Operations - Thermal Air Unit This is an official CHP Facebook account. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is dedicated to providing Safety, Service, and Security to California citizens and everyone who uses the thousands of miles of our state’s roadways. Each CHP employee is dedicated to ensuring you get home safely, that quality services are provided to you when you need it, and that you feel safe and secure as you travel throughout our great state. As the fifth la

rgest law enforcement agency in the nation, the Department will continue its primary responsibility to anticipate and respond to the needs of the public which it serves. As the state continues to change and grow, so will the CHP’s promise to look to new and innovative ways to secure your safety as you travel for business or pleasure.

Never. Stop. Training.Our pilots and flight officers are constantly training to improve our effectiveness while always k...
06/13/2026

Never. Stop. Training.

Our pilots and flight officers are constantly training to improve our effectiveness while always keeping safety at the forefront of every mission.

Like us, safety while behind the wheel should always be at the forefront of your mind. Stay safe this weekend, California!
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[search and rescue, SAR, helicopter, helo, hoist, hook in hand, California Highway Patrol, CHP, aviation, safety, h125, Airbus]

⛅ Cloud cover like this is rare in the Coachella Valley. Our medics and pilots would love to meet you...just not as a vi...
06/02/2026

⛅ Cloud cover like this is rare in the Coachella Valley. Our medics and pilots would love to meet you...just not as a victim! As summer weather heats up, use this opportunity to become educated on the dangers of heat related emergencies. Know your limits and stay well within them so H-60 doesn't have to come to your rescue!
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[heat, summer, clouds, helicopter, sun rays, search and rescue, summer vibes]

🛩️ This week, the Thermal Air Unit took delivery of a new aircraft, a GippsAero GA8 Airvan!This airplane will replace th...
05/29/2026

🛩️ This week, the Thermal Air Unit took delivery of a new aircraft, a GippsAero GA8 Airvan!

This airplane will replace the Cessna 206 (slide 7) and become the new Air-63. It comes equipped with several technological and logistical upgrades to give our pilots and flight officers better tools to assist our road officers and allied agencies.

Look to the skies above the Coachella Valley to see Air-63 in action!
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These views from our office never get old ✈️🚁Interested in a career with the California Highway Patrol? Start your journ...
05/14/2026

These views from our office never get old ✈️🚁

Interested in a career with the California Highway Patrol? Start your journey now at chpmadeformore.com!!
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Today, the Thermal Air Unit pauses to remember Officer and Pilot Dan Benavides, I.D. # 15193, who tragically lost his li...
05/07/2026

Today, the Thermal Air Unit pauses to remember Officer and Pilot Dan Benavides, I.D. # 15193, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty 16 years ago today. During the morning of May 7, 2010, Officer Benavides was flying AIR-63, a Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft, patrolling Imperial County. For unknown reasons, AIR-63 crashed into the rugged terrain near Ocotillo Wells, west of Brawley, CA. After a heroic search and rescue operation by several law enforcement agencies, the military, and United States Bureau of Land Management personnel, Officer Benavides was found among the wreckage.

Dan was known by his family and colleagues as hardworking with a huge sense of humor while always wearing a huge smile. He loved the outdoors and would frequently go off-roading and scuba diving (even though he’d always get sea sick on the boat!) He loved helping people, especially his friends, and could always be counted on. His most cherished role was being a father to his daughter Madeline and a husband to his wife Megan.

While his loss never gets any easier, each year that passes reminds us of his unwavering dedication to the people of California, as well as the courage and bravery exhibited by the men and women of law enforcement day in and day out. Thank you for your service, Officer Benavides.

Today, the Thermal Air Unit pauses to remember Officer and Pilot Dan Benevides, I.D. # 15193, who tragically lost his li...
05/07/2026

Today, the Thermal Air Unit pauses to remember Officer and Pilot Dan Benevides, I.D. # 15193, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty 16 years ago today. During the morning of May 7, 2010, Officer Benavides was flying AIR-63, a Cessna 206 fixed-wing aircraft, patrolling Imperial County. For unknown reasons, AIR-63 crashed into the rugged terrain near Ocotillo Wells, west of Brawley, CA. After a heroic search and rescue operation by several law enforcement agencies, the military, and United States Bureau of Land Management personnel, Officer Benavides was found among the wreckage.

Dan was known by his family and colleagues as hardworking with a huge sense of humor while always wearing a huge smile. He loved the outdoors and would frequently go off-roading and scuba diving (even though he’d always get sea sick on the boat!) He loved helping people, especially his friends, and could always be counted on. His most cherished role was being a father to his daughter Madeline and a husband to his wife Megan.

While his loss never gets any easier, each year that passes reminds us of his unwavering dedication to the people of California, as well as the courage and bravery exhibited by the men and women of law enforcement day in and day out. Thank you for your service, Officer Benevides.

Think your dreams are out of reach? We might be able to help with that... 😏A career with the California Highway Patrol c...
05/05/2026

Think your dreams are out of reach? We might be able to help with that... 😏

A career with the California Highway Patrol could be closer than you think! The CHP is always looking for qualified candidates to help with our continued mission to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California.

👉 Be the difference! Apply now at chpmadeformore.com
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Clear skies, steady hands, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.Today, on World Pilots Day, we recognize the in...
04/26/2026

Clear skies, steady hands, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.

Today, on World Pilots Day, we recognize the incredible pilots of CHP who take to the skies in service of our communities. Their precision, skill, and dedication play a vital role in keeping Californians safe.

Behind every mission, from critical searches and rescues to supporting officers on the ground, there is a pilot who trains relentlessly, responds without hesitation, and upholds the highest standard of excellence.

Today, we thank our CHP airplane and helicopter pilots for their professionalism, courage, and commitment to going above and beyond.

AirSupport

Your Thermal Air Unit proudly congratulates Officer R. Espinosa for completing his initial training, and final assessmen...
01/29/2026

Your Thermal Air Unit proudly congratulates Officer R. Espinosa for completing his initial training, and final assessment to become a full-fledged Flight Officer! Chief Flight Officer, Sergeant Whitney Lowe, presents Officer Espinosa his “wings” after a successful check-ride. Aerial Supervisors, Sergeant Haltom and Sergeant Flores, also offer their congratulations as they have watched him grow into his new role.

Over the past several months, Officer Espinosa has spent countless hours in the books and in the air under the guidance of his training officer, Flight Officer S. Rivas, to learn the basics of what it takes to be an efficient Flight Officer and support our brothers and sisters on the ground.

Officer Espinosa’s training doesn’t stop here though, as he will spend the next several years honing his skills and perfecting his craft while gaining priceless experience. His dedication to the craft becomes an invaluable resource for fellow Officers, allied agencies, and the people of California that rely on our services day in and day out.

Welcome to Thermal, Officer Espinosa!
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As New Year’s celebrations bring increased travel across California, the California Highway Patrol is reminding motorist...
12/31/2025

As New Year’s celebrations bring increased travel across California, the California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists that safe driving is essential. To help prevent crashes and save lives during this high-traffic period, CHP is implementing a statewide New Year’s Holiday Enforcement Period focused on reducing dangerous driving behaviors. The public is encouraged to report unsafe drivers by calling 9-1-1.

The New Year's HEP begins today, December 31, at 6:01 p.m. and continues until 11:59 p.m. on January 4.

As we welcome the New Year, let’s commit to making smart choices. Buckle up, slow down, stay focused, and if you’re celebrating, always plan for a sober ride.

Celebrate responsibly, drive with care, and help us start the New Year on a safe note!

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56-855 Liberator Lane
Thermal, CA
92274

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
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Thursday 8am - 5pm
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