Robert McMahon
Delaware State Police Pilot
Flight Instructor
3,000 Flying Hours
Developed the Delaware Air Rescue Team
Three Valor, Four Lifesaving Awards
Robert “Bob” McMahon served the state of Delaware honorably for forty-one years. The majority of that time was spent working in the aviation section of the Delaware State Police (DSP). Over his career with the DSP Bob flew over 13,000 hours in rotary and fixed wing aircraft, including over 3,000 hours of flight time as a flight instructor.
Bob joined the DSP in 1977. He spent six years on the road as a trooper before transitioning into the aviation section in 1982. From 1982 through 2006 Bob flew the Bell 206B, 206L, 407, and 412, Cessna 182, Aero Commander 560, and Beech 200 King Air. From 2008 through 2018, Bob served the DSP as a civilian instructor.
Bob spent the majority of his career with the DSP as an instructor within the section. This included training pilots from their first helicopter flight through the airline transport level in both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. He also taught flying under night vision goggles and hoisting operations. Bob has had a hand in training all of the current and many retired members of the aviation section.
Bob helped to develop and implement the Delaware Air Rescue Team (DART). The DART team involves using the helicopter to safely perform helicopter hoist or short-haul rescues in confined or remote access locations. He acted as the liaison to numerous fire departments and lifeguard stations.
Bob was instrumental the DSP choosing and acquiring the Bell 429 as the replacement for the DSP’s Bell 407s. After the delivery of the Bell 429, Bob helped to transition the section’s pilots to the Bell 429.
Bob earned one exceptional performance, three valor, four lifesaving, and six superintendent awards for actions above and beyond the call of duty.
After retirement, Bob continued flying helicopters part time for Summit Aviation airport.
