Police Concerned About Number of TV Helicopters

Television helicopters have become indispensable in covering events like this week’s freeway chase that ended in Los Angeles, but some law enforcement fliers are concerned that too many aircraft are getting involved.

“It’s like a beehive down there at the end of a pursuit,” said Ed Mull, the flight officer aboard the California Highway Patrol helicopter that shadowed a stolen cab during Tuesday’s chase. “The problem is getting too many aircraft in the area. There’s only so much airspace up there.”

Mull said he and CHP pilot Terry Kelbaugh counted at least eight law enforcement and news helicopters hovering over the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles at the end of Tuesday’s chase. “With that many (helicopters), it does have the potential of creating some problems,” he said.