[FedCom] News Helicopters

[ButchHenderson]

I have been in news helicopters for 2 different organizations in 2
different citys and in both situations there is a very strict heirarchy o=
f
how things go.

The public service choppers (Cops, Fire, ...)  get to do whatever they wa=
nt
at whatever altitude they want,
The first crew to arrive gets the altitude 1,000 feet above the Cops, the=

next one in gets 1,300, the next gets 1,600ft., then 2,000 et cetera. =


The pilots try to stay on opposite sides of the circle from each other.

They are also on a common frequency on a dedicated radio so thay are all
talking to each other and giving position reports, Even the police
helicopters area on the frequency, (sometimes even clueing us in on what
were looking at).

The pilots all meet regularly to talk over how things are going, current
problems, plan for major events, and how they would like things to be. =

It's a fairly tight fraternity and they all see their first priority to f=
ly
safe, anyone in the helicopter has veto power, if anyone feels unsafe the=
y
all go back no questions asked.

There is definitely not a cowboy attitude with any of the pilots I have
flown with,  They are not the pilots that tend to get the jobs because it=

is such an investment in money and even public image for a news station,
that they want the most experienced and the most cautious pilot available=
.

Hope this gives you a beter insight into what youre looking at when you s=
ee
the 9 helicopters stacked up over the high speed car chase.

Have Fun
Butch Henderson
KCPQ-TV, Seattle Wa
butchhenderson@compuserve.com