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Mid Air Collision of News Helicopters in Phoenix — Review of Dual Pilot/Reporter Role Needed.
June 30, 2007
New York — The tragic collision of two news helicopters over Phoenix on Friday that killed four people raises serious aviation issues including whether the dual reporter pilot role should be eliminated.
"Piloting always requires a high degree of attention and focus but in a competitive aerial newsgathering event, it is essential that the pilot be undistracted," said Justin Green, a helicopter pilot and attorney with the aviation law firm Kreindler & Kreindler. Eyewitnesses told investigators the Channel 15 aircraft flew into the Channel 3 helicopter that was hovering. The pilot of the moving helicopter was Channel 15's news reporter on the scene. There was also a camera operator on board.
"On some news stories, it may be adequate for the pilot to report and fly. But when the sky is congested as it was in Phoenix, the television station has an obligation to provide sufficient personnel to assure a safe flying environment," Mr. Green said. That may require an additional person onboard the helicopter whose sole job is to keep an eye out for other aircraft and potential obstacles like towers and power lines.
The FAA should also be held to account for failing to set restrictions on the number of aircraft during aerial newsgathering events. "From the famous chase scene involving O.J. Simpson to the present, aerial newsgathering has become commonplace," said Frank Fleming, a former marine aviator and lawyer with Kreindler & Kreindler. There were five news choppers and a police helicopter on scene in Phoenix on Friday.
"Air traffic controllers clear news helicopters into the area, but once there, the pilots are responsible for safe separation," Mr. Green explains. "There are no rules requiring specific distances between helicopters. It's a threat to the people in the air as well as those on the ground."
Messrs Green and Fleming are available to speak to reporters. Kreindler & Kreindler is a New York-based aviation law firm. Many of the lawyers are pilots or engineers.
Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, Tradition of Excellence, New York, New Jersey, Boston, Los Angeles.
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