In chaotic L.A. skies, news helicopter pilots juggle competition, camaraderie, risk

Key Points:

• The recent crash of an NBC4 news helicopter in Chatsworth, killing reporter Eliana Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a bystander, has intensified scrutiny on the safety of TV news helicopter operations in Los Angeles.
• News helicopter pilots in Los Angeles navigate a crowded and competitive airspace, balancing the urgency to be first on the scene with safety protocols and unspoken rules that govern their formations during pursuits and breaking news coverage.
• Pilots express particular concern about the risks of low-altitude hovering over incidents, a common practice that limits emergency options like autorotation in case of engine failure, despite advances in camera technology that reduce the need for close proximity.
• The helicopters used by news stations, often operated by third-party companies, are typically models like the AS350 B2, which have a strong safety record, though the cause of the recent crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
• The tight-knit community of news helicopter pilots and reporters in Los Angeles shares a culture of mutual support and safety awareness, with experienced pilots mentoring newcomers, including the late Eliana Moreno, who was known for her dedication to the job.