Regina police plane still not back in the air after being damaged in April

The Regina police plane has yet to to return to the city's skies despite an initial plan to have it back up by the end of summer.

The plane had a wing damaged in April while it was being taken into its hangar for routine maintenance. It has not flown since.

Police have touted the aerial support unit's usefulness for officers on the ground. The plane is equipped with a wide-angle infrared camera, which allows them to track people and vehicles running from police.

Repair work on the 2005 Cessna 182 T continues, according to Regina police spokesperson Lindsey Hoemsen.

One of the challenges has been the need for new parts built from scratch at a Cessna factory in the United States.

"They must rigorously test the parts before they are finalized and installed, and this process took more time than anticipated," Hoemsen said.

Regina police say they "anticipate a return to service, at the latest, in early 2025" for the plane.

The repairs are being covered by insurance, so there is no cost to the City of Regina.

The plane was purchased for $1.6 million as part of the 2022 police budget. The Saskatchewan government contributed more than $1.3 million, while the City of Regina chipped in around $275,000.

The unit took to the skies in January 2023 before being officially launched in March 2023 with a six-officer team.

Those six officers have been reassigned to other units during the repairs.