Accidents
Phoenix ENG midair spurs reforms
A fatal midair between two television news helicopters in Phoenix last year has prompted better communications and procedures within the local helicopter c

A fatal midair between two television news helicopters in Phoenix last year has prompted better communications and procedures within the local helicopter community and could spur nationwide reforms, including ending the practice of pilots acting as reporters while flying. 

The television news business has always been competitive, but perhaps nowhere is it more so than during an adrenaline-laden police car chase, covered live by multiple television news helicopters in a major metropolitan market. One such chase took place in Phoenix on July 27 last year, and electronic newsgathering (ENG) helicopters from several television stations were covering the story. Two of those helicopters collided in midair as the pilot/reporters were broadcasting.

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