Eagle The Air Support Unit (generally known as "Eagle") operates throughout the metropolitan Auckland area. When not engaged on a specific operation the aircraft is on immediate standby on the ground. The Air Support Unit based at the Mechanics Bay heliport on the Auckland waterfront has been in operation since 1988. Originally flying a single engine Bell Jetranger helicopter, the unit has been operating twin engine Aerospatiale AS355F1 aircraft since July 1989.