Schweizer Aircraft has delivered two Model 333 turbine helicopters to the Houston Police Department's Helicopter Patrol unit. The delivery makes Houston the first police department to receive Model 333s directly from the factory and the second police patrol division to operate them. The 333s are the first new aircraft for Houston in seven years, and will allow the force to retire several 23-year-old, high-time aircraft. "The Schweizer helicopters will be better equipped than any other aircraft we have had the opportunity to operate," said Lt. John King. "We believe that the 333's reliability will increase our fleet's airworthiness and readiness for flight. These issues are of great importance now that we have fewer helicopters yet provide the city with the same number of airborne patrol hours as we did with a larger fleet."