News Helicopters Back Up in Phoenix

The Arizona Republic is out with news that all of the stations in Phoenix are back flying their helicopters following a mid-air collision between two choppers last July.

The biggest change is that Channel 3 (KTVK) will start flying with a second pilot/observer. That means Bruce Hafner will continue to fly and report, but he will be able to hand over control of the helicopter if a situation arises where he feels he cannot do both safely.

It is almost always the assignment desk that makes the decision to launch the helicopter, and in turn gives the actual orders to the pilot to fly.

I imagine all of the assignment editors in that market -- especially the ones at the two stations whose choppers were involved in the crash -- probably have a pit in their stomach this morning when they launch the chopper for the first time.