7-Aug-2017Source: Robinson Helicopter Company
Robinson Helicopter Company received FAA certification for its R66 Turbine Newscopter. The turnkey ready R66 ENG (Electronic News Gathering) helicopter is the ideal solution for television news outlets wanting a reliable, economical, turbine powered helicopter with a state-of-the-art news broadcasting system. Powered by the Rolls Royce RR300 turbine engine, the four-place R66 Newscopter delivers greater... Read more
7-Sep-2016Source: GSS
Gyro Stabilized Systems has launched the first fully digital ENG aerial camera with the nation’s most-watched television station. In partnership with Total Traffic and Weather Network, GSS provides a fully digital B516 for WABC-TV’s news helicopter in New York City. The GSS B516 was configured to include a Sony HDC-P1 camera paired with a Canon... Read more
7-Jul-2016Source: Helinet
Helinet Aviation Services today announced the appointments of Jim Adams, Arnold Kleiner and Thomas Norton to its board of directors. Helinet is the leading provider of airborne surveillance solutions, patient and organ transport and news coverage helicopters and pilots, as well as the largest, most respected charter service on the West Coast. The three directors... Read more
1-Jun-2016Source: PHPA
On May 20, 2016, the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association learned that the FAA denied all four of the Los Angeles Area Helicopter Noise Coalition petitions to regulate helicopter operations over the Los Angeles Basin. The LAAHNC had asked the FAA for four (4) SFAR’s: * A 2000’ AGL minimum operating altitude for all helicopter operations,... Read more
13-Sep-2015
helicopter went down in the Chinese city of Chongqing on Sunday, killing all four on board, including two cameramen Jiang Ya and Song Hao’en from Chongqing Broadcasting Group, a local satellite TV station.... Read more
3-Mar-2015Source: Airbus
As one of the nation’s premier providers of full service, exclusive Electronic News Gathering (ENG) helicopters, U.S. Helicopters Inc. is continuing replacement of older aircraft with the addition of three new Airbus Helicopters AS350 B2 AStars. Two of the new aircraft, purchased in 2014, are already in service in the top five U.S. television markets.... Read more
22-Dec-2014Source: Macroinsider
A former California news helicopter pilot has been ordered to spend $42,000 in restitution to 3 former employers, soon after he was convicted of flying under false pretenses. See Full Story... Read more
14-Jul-2014Source: ACS
ACS’ (www.aerialcamerasystems.com/about-us) longstanding history within the aerial filming world continues to grow and sees its dedicated in-house aerial unit co-ordinating and filming aerial projects world-wide. Established by Peter Allwork, ACS’ roots in aerial filming are founded in excellence thanks to Peter’s Oscar winning cinematography for the multi award winning, Out of Africa. Over thirty-five years... Read more
7-Jul-2014Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Produced by Helibrás the Squirrel helicopter was selected to do the aerial images over the games in the 2014 World Cup Brazil style. In all, seven active aircraft (four AS350 B2, AS350 B3e and two AS350 B3) flying over stadiums and a reservation (AS350 B3e), all operated by Helisul, hired by a business partner... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Georgia Tech
Beginning this summer, the Georgia Institute of Technology and CNN will embark on a joint research initiative to better understand the opportunities unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) present for media organizations, and to explore the access and safety issues that need to be addressed as part of any new regulatory framework. The project team will be... Read more
21-May-2014
Heavy landing with tail missing – boom potentially sliced by main blades... Read more
1-May-2014Source: Mashable
Moves by the FAA to limit or punish the use of drones by journalists could fun afoul of the First Amendment, which precludes the government from infringing on the freedom of the press. See full story File photo... Read more
7-Apr-2014Source: USHST
The United States Helicopter Safety Team (www.USHST.org), has completed a comprehensive follow-up report to its initial helicopter accident analysis released in 2011. This new report analyzes U.S. civil helicopter accidents that occurred in 2009, 2010, and 2011 and compares them to the previous analysis that looked at accidents that occurred in 2000, 2001, and 2006.... Read more
31-Mar-2014Source: Scoop
Press report suggests the helicopter was flying so low that the workers on the ground were affected by the rotor wash which dislodged loose rocks from the cliff face. See full story... Read more
30-Mar-2014
After the accident, which killed two, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said the city should review its permits and procedures to make sure the helicopters are operating safely. See full story... Read more
19-Mar-2014Source: City of Seattle
At 7:51 a.m. this morning, Seattle Firefighters responded to a helicopter crash near the Space Needle. When firefighters arrived at Broad Street and 4th Avenue they found a helicopter that had crashed into the ground causing three car fires. Medics transported a male driver to Harborview Medical Center with severe burns and discovered two deceased patients inside the helicopter... Read more
19-Mar-2014Source: Sinclair Broadcast
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) and its Seattle television station, KOMO (ABC), expressed its deepest condolences for the victims and family members of the news helicopter that crashed inSeattle, WA this morning. The helicopter, owned by Helicopter, Inc., is leased jointly by Sinclair’s television station, KOMO, and Gannett’s television station, KING. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,”... Read more
19-Mar-2014Source: Gannett Co
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) and its Seattle station, KING, are deeply saddened by today’s helicopter accident in Seattle, WA. “Words cannot express the sympathy and sadness we feel for the victims who lost their lives in today’s tragedy and for their families,” said Ray Heacox, president and general manager, KING. “We grieve this afternoon with the entire Seattle community... Read more
18-Mar-2014
KOMO News helicopter down in Broad Street in Seattle, more updates shortly. Seattle Police confirm at least two fatalities – named in this article as pilot Gary Pfitzner and KOMO photographer Bill Strothman. The helicopter was being used in a joint partnership between KOMO and KING 5 according to this KING 5 report... Read more
25-Feb-2014Source: Airbus Helicopters
U.S. Helicopters Inc. a premier provider of full service, exclusive use Electronic News Gathering (ENG) helicopter programs in the U.S., continues to upgrade its fleet with the addition of two new Airbus Helicopters Inc. AS350B2s. Delivered in July and December of 2013, the two new B2s will service news stations in two of the top... Read more
18-Dec-2013Source: Sky12
Jerry Foster, the recipient of the Harmon Trophy—the highest civilian honor in aviation—has written about his career in a stunning new autobiography Earthbound Misfit. What began as a job reporting local traffic conditions in a helicopter, evolved into an amazing, high profile career spanning 30 years working for three different television stations in Phoenix. The book covers... Read more
9-Dec-2013Source: HeliHub.com
It has recently been confirmed that newscaster Asahi Shimbun has ordered an AgustaWestland AW169. Delivery is scheduled for 2015 with operations from early 2016. This order marks the entry point for the AW169 to news markets around the world. AgustaWestland have confirmed to HeliHub.com that their AW169 order backlog now exceeds 100 aircraft from over... Read more
9-Sep-2013Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce that Japan’s leading newspaper ‘The Asahi Shimbun’ has placed an order for one AW169 4.5 ton class helicopter. This aircraft, which adds to a GrandNew light twin helicopter already in service with the same customer, will be used to perform Press and Electronic... Read more
15-Aug-2013Source: TV News Check
Now that stations are recovering from the budget-slashing days of the recession, many are getting back into the sky with helicopters. see full story... Read more
10-Jul-2013Source: HeliHub.com
AgustaWestland have released the photo below of the handover ceremony of an AW139 to All Nippon Helicopter at the Philadelphia factory. The aircraft is serial 41341 This is the third AW139 for All Nippon Helicopter, and will be used for electronic news gathering (ENG) missions. ANH is conducts ENG operations exclusively for Nippon Housou Kyoukai (NHK), Japanese... Read more
23-Jun-2013Source: HeliHub.com
Film footage shot from a helicopter is central to a new court case raised by Angela Rodriguez in Arizona – naming News Corp., Fox Entertainment Group and Fox News Network, in her submission to Maricopa County Court. Fox News Channel inadvertently broadcast live the suicide of Jo Don Romero, 33, who killed himself after an... Read more
28-Feb-2013
WCAU-TV, the NBC owned and operated station in Philadelphia, has rolled out a newly-added LongRanger 4 (see full story). HeliHub.com editor note – this is a 2004-build aircraft, operated by Helicopters Inc... Read more
1-Feb-2013Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter today announced delivery of a new AS350 B2 AStar aircraft to U.S. Helicopters, Inc. U.S. Helicopters, Inc. based in Marshville, N.C., is one of the largest operators of electronic news gathering helicopters in the country. The company has served dozens of major television stations located in cities in most of the lower 48... Read more
19-Jan-2013
During low-level aerial filming operations, the helicopter rotated quickly to the right and descended. The pilot made an emergency landing on the sloping terrain. The helicopter rolled over and was subtantially damaged with minor injuries to the occupants.... Read more
6-Jan-2013Source: Kitchener Aero
Kitchener Aero Avionics (KAAV) – one of Canada’s premiere avionics and special missions modifiers – is pleased to announce another STC “first” with the completion of a “Glass-Cockpit” upgrade for the Eurocopter EC-120 helicopter. The heart of this mod is the Garmin G500H Flight Display system with Helicopter Synthetic Vision (HSVT), an Altitude Heading Reference... Read more
10-Dec-2012Source: LA Times
John D. Silva was the chief engineer for KTLA-TV in 1958 when he outfitted a helicopter with a TV camera and changed television news coverage forever. (see full story)... Read more
30-Oct-2012Source: ThrottleNet
ThrottleNet announces they have created a new mobile application for Helicopters Inc. based in Cahokia, Illinois. Helicopters Inc. specializes in the leasing of news gathering helicopters for television and radio stations nationwide. The new mobile app is designed for iPad use by pilots and administrative personnel. It enables pilots to create manifests from any remote... Read more
20-Oct-2012Source: Kenya Daily News
Royal Media Services has become the first Kenyan media house to acquire a news helicopter – although the AS350 shows no signs of any externally mounted cameras! (see full story)... Read more
30-Sep-2012Source: PHPA
Earlier this year, the PHPA began a dialogue with the Southern California RTNA (Radio & Television News Association) regarding this weekend’s I-405 bridge demolition, dubbed Carmageddon II. Specifically, the PHPA was interested in getting the media outlets to reduce the helicopter noise over the freeway closure this year. A similar event last year generated noise... Read more
25-Apr-2012
Emergency landing after running out of fuel. No damage.... Read more
13-Apr-2012Source: Brisbane Times
At some stages of the chase, officers in the central police communications centre were forced to rely on footage of the chase being broadcast live via media helicopters in order to relay the location of stolen cars to police on the ground. (see full story). Short on proper equipment to do the job, perhaps?... Read more
12-Apr-2012Source: Los Angeles Times
Pentastar Aviation, who own the lease on the land occupied by Helinet, instructing Helinet to move its helicopters from the ramps where they sit ready to depart – for time-critical EMS and ENG work. When it didn’t comply, Helinet received another letter threatening eviction and legal proceedings. Helinet owner Al Purwin, previously the lease owner,... Read more
10-Apr-2012Source: Rotorcorp
Due to continued supply shortages and spotty availability, Rotorcorp recently checked on availabilty of the KI-206-4 Auxillary Fuel Pump for use in ENG aircraft on a customer order. We were advised by our Customer Service Representative that the shielded KI-206-4 is now being replaced by the non-shielded KI-206-3 version of the pump. Robinson Technical Service Representative... Read more
22-Mar-2012Source: Eurocopter
Eurocopter Japan has received an order for two new AS365 N3+ Dauphins from All Nippon Helicopter (ANH) to replace two rotary-wing aircraft from its existing fleet for use in electronic newsgathering missions on behalf of Japanese national broadcaster, NHK. ANH, which is an operator for NHK in news missions, owns a fleet of 12 Eurocopter... Read more
14-Feb-2012Source: DART Helicopter Services
DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce that their subsidiary partner Geneva Aviation has been selected by Angel City Air of Los Angeles to provide new Electronics News Gathering systems and completions for two AS350B2 Helicopters. Angel City Air has selected Geneva Aviation’s Audio, Video, Microwave and Electrical Systems for two new aircraft. These two... Read more
5-Feb-2012Source: Global Winnipeg
Global Winnipeg has the only Television News Helicopter in Winnipeg and we want your help in naming it. Prize: A tour over Winnipeg in the Global Winnipeg News Helicopter and a meet and greet with Eva Kovacs and “bragging rights” on having named our Helicopter. Our News Helicopter will give viewers breaking news and traffic... Read more
29-Jan-2012Source: Broadcasting & Cable
KNBC in Los Angeles has been involved in a helicopter share with Fox’s owned stations, while sister station WNBC in New York will get its helicopter later this year. (see full story)... Read more
29-May-2011
KCRA hired Shively in 1972 as a producer, but he began flying the traffic plane for its radio station two months after he arrived. Shively had received his license “on a lark,” and the station needed a new pilot. In 1979, KCRA bought the first news helicopter in Northern California, calling it LiveCopter 3... Read more
29-Mar-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Rival television stations in Louisville, Kentucky, WHAS and WAVE are joining forces in the air, effective from 1st April.  The two stations will share air time and the video feeds will be identical on each station – and the helicopter will be painted up with one station’s colours on the port side and the other... Read more
27-Feb-2011Source: KPHO
On Friday morning, news helicopter crews were all chasing breaking news when someone from the ground shined a laser in their direct line of sight.... Read more
11-Feb-2011Source: DART Helicopter Services
Oceanside, CA, February 10, 2011 — DART Helicopter Services and its subsidiary Geneva Aviation are helping to expand aerial news gathering opportunities for TV stations around the nation. DART has initiated deliveries of Geneva Aviation’s P174 Power Converters to Robinson Helicopter Company for installation in all newly manufactured R44 Raven II Newscopters, fully integrated Electronic... Read more
10-Feb-2011Source: Doug Doty Vertical Flight Foundation
The Doug Doty Vertical Flight Foundation is now accepting applications for their Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Scholarship. This ENG Scholarship covers the cost of the ground and flight portion of a two day weekend course that will prepare a Robinson R44 pilot for the rigors of flying for the purpose of news gathering from a... Read more
2-Feb-2011
New York’s WABC is updating Newscopter 7 to a Bell 407... Read more
26-Jan-2011Source: Marataizes
Thge television station AS350B2 – known as “Globocop” – was hit by three rifle shots at about 7:30 am. The reporter Karina Borges, the system operator and the pilot Roberto Mello Kings Antonio Ramos was not injured. one of the bullets hit the floor, the second, the central region, and the third, the tail of the... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: Romiley
Christopher Jermaine Jones (DOB 6/5/87) pled guilty today to 35 counts of aggravated assault, vehicular theft, unlawful flight, leaving the scene of an accident, endangerment, criminal trespass, and criminal damage. The charges stem from a July 2007 incident in which Jones stole two vehicles and fled police, ultimately resulting in a high-speed chase. Jones was... Read more