In 1976 , the first helicopter pilot joined the Air Wing . In 1977 , the Air Wing conducted a six-week evaluation trial of flying regular helicopter patrols . In 1978 , the Air Wing leased a Hughes 500D helicopter conducting night time operations . In the same year , a decision was made to purchase a helicopter . In 1979 , the Air Wing purchased a twin-engined Aérospatiale SA365C1 Dauphin 2 ( VH-PVF ) , the first of its kind in Australia , with another two former VIP aircraft purchased in 1986 from the Romanian Government ( VH-PVA and VH-PVK ) . On Sunday , 9 August 1987 , '' Air 495 '' ( VH-PVA , the Air Ambulance ) was hit by gunfire during its part in the Hoddle Street massacre , and was forced to land in a nearby park
Hoddle Street massacre
Hoddle Street massacre
Victoria Police Air Wing