Telecopter Explained

The KTLA Telecopter was the world's first television news helicopter, which first went into operation in 1958[1] and was invented by John D. Silva.[2] The on-board video and audio equipment communicated with a line of sight KTLA transmitter receiver on top of Mount Wilson. The first helicopter was leased to KTLA by National Helicopter Service and Engineering Company in Van Nuys.[3] For several years, KTLA (channel 5) was the only TV station with a helicopter based TV camera crewed reporting platform.

The Telecopter was designed and introduced by KTLA chief engineer John D. Silva (1920-2012).[4]

Today, KTLA's news helicopter is known today as "Sky 5" and it is used during breaking news coverage.

Versions

The first three Telecopters were as follows:

VersionYearHelicopterNotes
11958Bell 47G-2Equipment mounted externally
21959Bell 47J-2 RangerEquipment mounted internally
31969Bell 206 JetRanger

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Joiner . Stephen . History of Flight: Zoom Shot . One day in L.A., a helicopter changed television news forever . . April 30, 2009 . June 6, 2022.
  2. Web site: Collection: John D. Silva papers Archival Collections. 2020-08-17. archives.lib.umd.edu.
  3. Web site: Original press releases issued by KTLA regarding the creation of the "TELECOPTER" . Photos taken during its construction in Dick Hart's backyard in North Hollywood . National Helicopter Service and Engineering Company . 1958 . 2012-02-25.
  4. "John D. Silva dies at 92; introduced news helicopter", Bob Pool, Los Angeles Times, December 7, 2012

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