NYPD Aviation Unit Leader Removed Amid Internal Investigation

The commanding officer of the NYPD’s Aviation Unit was dismissed this week following allegations of safety violations and attempts to obstruct federal probes. Winston Faison, who assumed leadership in 2023, faced multiple whistleblower complaints about reckless conduct and departmental misconduct.

Internal sources revealed that Faison exhibited unsafe flying behaviors, including a near crash during a hard landing at Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field in late June while training with a student. He also flew a helicopter improperly, violating manufacturer rules by operating from the wrong seat during an April flight along the Hudson River. Additionally, he failed to complete necessary pre-flight checks, resulting in a tail rotor oil leak unnoticed until after landing.

Faison’s management style also reportedly involved hiring employees without proper department oversight and overriding standard safety protocols, such as overspeeding the helicopter’s rotor—risking significant engine damage—and causing structural harm during a maneuver over rocks on July 4, which required a costly tail rotor replacement. Fortunately, that incident occurred after Faison’s last flight, preventing further risk.

During an FAA inspection in July, Faison allegedly instructed officers not to permit federal agents onto the base and threatened to withhold vital records. He also used a substantial amount of flight hours for personal instructor training, reportedly prioritizing his own certification gone in a short timeframe, well ahead of typical department standards.

The unit operates several helicopters, including a Bell 407 worth about $1.5 million, used mainly for training, alongside other aircraft for patrol and rescue missions. Faison previously completed extensive training, including two costly courses exceeding $100,000, despite arriving late to a key air-sea rescue program in Texas.

The NYPD has not provided an explanation for his removal, but sources indicate he is under internal investigation. The FAA may suspend or revoke his pilot’s license. Faison declined to comment when contacted by the press.