Ousted NYPD Aviation head was ‘incompetent boob,’ a police source said

The former head of the NYPD’s Aviation Unit, Winston Faison, has been removed from his position after facing allegations of safety breaches and attempts to obstruct a federal investigation. Faison, who took over as Commanding Officer in 2023, was accused of multiple dangerous incidents that put the unit at risk.

One of the incidents involved a near-crash at the Brooklyn base when Faison was flying a training helicopter with a student and made a hard landing in June. Another incident occurred when Faison flew solo up the Hudson River in April, sitting in the wrong seat against manufacturer’s rules. Additionally, Faison failed to conduct pre-flight checks, leading to a leaking tail rotor that went unnoticed until landing.

Faison also allegedly hired new employees without proper oversight, oversped the helicopter’s rotor, and caused structural damage to a tail rotor during a training maneuver. The damage required replacement of the $40,000 rotor, and Faison used up the helicopter’s flying hours for his own training purposes.

During a surprise visit by FAA inspectors in July, Faison instructed his team not to cooperate with the investigation, leading to concerns about his transparency and accountability. Despite the incidents and complaints from whistleblowers, Faison managed to obtain his helicopter instructor’s license in record time, raising questions about the training standards in the unit.

Faison’s abrupt removal from the Aviation Unit was met with speculation about internal investigations and potential consequences from the FAA, including suspension or revocation of his pilot’s license. Faison, who became the unit’s first black commander in 2023, faced criticism for his handling of safety protocols and training procedures.

The NYPD has not provided a specific reason for Faison’s dismissal, but sources indicate ongoing internal inquiries into his conduct. Faison, who also runs a non-profit organization for underprivileged kids interested in aviation, has not responded to requests for comment. The NYPD’s Aviation Unit, which operates a fleet of helicopters and spy planes for various missions, faces challenges in maintaining safety standards and ensuring accountability among its leadership.