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RALEIGH – State legislators heard a report Thursday suggesting North Carolina cut one-third of its state-funded aircraft to save millions of dollars.

A legislative panel approved the recommendations that showed aircraft are underutilized and operations were inefficient.

State Highway Patrol Lt. Todd Woodard helped lead a helicopter rescue training exercise at Lake Wheeler Thursday. Before that, he was listening as legislators discussed possibly getting rid of some state-funded aircraft.

"It's another tool in our toolbox we can use to help citizens throughout our state. When you have natural and manmade disasters, we're going to be there and we're going to respond,” Woodard said of SHP's choppers.

The legislature's Program Evaluation Division released a report recommending the state sell 25 aircraft for $8.1 million. They want to close five hanger facilities and get rid of 16 pilot and mechanic positions. Those moves could save $1.5 million dollars a year.

The report showed 79 percent of the planes and helicopters flew less than 200 hours per year, an industry standard.

The cuts could come from many state agencies, including law enforcement. The State Bureau of Investigation, which could lose one of its planes, argued agents need aircraft to fight crime and transport prisoners.

"We're eliminating our ability to assist our local law enforcement partners,” said SBI Director Robin Pendergraft from the podium as she pleaded with lawmakers.

Lawmakers asked questions and pointed to data showing inefficient use of aircraft and decentralized operations.

"Why can't you do a private charter for that? Why do you have to own the plane and pay three pilots annual salaries?" Rep. Dan Clodfelter, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County, asked.

The N.C. Division of Forest Resources may take the biggest hit, as the report showed many of their planes are underused. That left some worried the state wouldn't be prepared for wildfires.

"North Carolina is a high fire danger state,” Director of N.C. Division of Forest Resources Wib Owen said.

Woodard is glad the State Highway Patrol showed better efficiency and will most likely keep their choppers, but understands North Carolina's need for aircraft immediately.

"Being a 24-7 operation, we have to train and be there, poised to strike,” Woodard said.

The issue now goes to the state appropriations committee. The governor's BRAC commission will also look at the results of the study.