INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — WISH-TV’s Chopper 8, a Bell helicopter purchased in 1997, served as a vital tool for news coverage and community engagement until its retirement in 2017.

Chopper 8 was instrumental in providing aerial perspectives for breaking news, traffic, weather and event high school football games, enhancing WISH-TV’s ability to deliver comprehensive coverage to its viewers.

“That was one of the greatest hires we ever made,” News Director Lee Giles said, reflecting on the decision to acquire the helicopter and hire Keith McCutcheon as the chief pilot.

Keith McCutcheon, the chief pilot for Chopper 8, brought 22 years of experience and was certified in ten different helicopter models. He emphasized the importance of safety and continuous learning, likening pilot training to that of doctors.

Initially, WISH-TV faced challenges in acquiring a helicopter, as corporate leadership was hesitant to invest in aviation for broadcasting. However, Giles advocated for the purchase, recognizing the competitive advantage it would provide. Before acquiring Chopper 8, the station rented helicopters for aerial shots, which required photographers to bring their own cameras and improvise setups for capturing footage.

Chopper 8 became a popular assignment among newsroom staff, offering unique opportunities to capture live events from the sky, such as high school football games.

Despite the high operational costs, including fuel and maintenance, Chopper 8’s contributions to news coverage were significant, providing a different perspective on events and enhancing the station’s storytelling capabilities.

Although Chopper 8 was retired due to its high operational costs, WISH-TV continues to provide aerial coverage with its drone, Aviator, maintaining its commitment to delivering comprehensive news coverage to the community.

Web Extras

Chopper 8 offers swift and efficient coverage of local events (Sept. 12, 1997)

Chopper 8 was instrumental in delivering first looks of critical events, such as the hazardous waste fire in Gosport. The helicopter, piloted by Keith McCutchen, featured an advanced camera technology that allowed it to hover at higher altitudes while maintaining steady shots. The ‘Flying Neighborly’ campaign aimed to minimize noise and disruption to communities while providing aerial coverage. This package aired on September 12, 1997.

Bell Helicopter training facility enhances emergency response skills (May 11, 1999)

Keith McCutchen, a seasoned helicopter pilot with 22 years of experience, participated in rigorous training exercises at Bell Helicopter’s Customer Training Facility to enhance his emergency response skills. The training, which involved simulating engine failures and other in-flight malfunctions, was essential for maintaining proficiency and preparing pilots for real-world emergencies. The training ensures that pilots are well-prepared to handle emergencies, enhancing safety for both the pilots and the communities they serve. This packaged aired on May 11, 1999.

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