Oregon Media Insiders

what an idiotic thing to say. "We have the same right to the airspace as the fire crews"???
I'm sure the homeowners near the flames don't quite see it the same way.

Get out of the way moron!

... to expand, not attempt to limit or change, The Portland Agreement.

[edited for URL.--L]

Is anyone else confused by Rod Gramer's quote in the story. "I can guarantee you the pilot is responsible." Responsible for what? Flying too low? Or that he's a responsible pilot and would not jeopardize the fire fighters mission. I don't know if Rod wasn't clear when he spoke or if the reporter cut the quote off but someone needs a lesson in clarity.

And KGW was flying WAY TOO LOW! KATU's chopper was super high, but we couldn't believe how low KGW was flying. The Fire department guys were totally complaining about it, not even wanting to do interviews with 8 because they were so mad.

Speaking as a fixed-wing flight instructor myself, if Mr. Larsen's actions were actually as reported in that article, then he showed a serious lack of judgment. Whether or not he violated any Federal Aviation Regulations is largely beside the point, since he seems to have lacked common sense and evidently interfered with the firefighting operation. Any pilot's first instinct should be to stay clear of firefighting aircraft working a fire, even if there is no temporary flight restriction. The closest analogy that comes to mind is so-called "Lifeguard" or air-ambulance flights, which are almost always given priority handling, and to which all other aircraft are expected to yield. Last time I checked, there is a good reason that the cameras on TV choppers have long lenses: To see the action without being directly on top of the action. Try using that, next time.

Here's the full article, by the way: Statesman-Journal.

If that airspace was so critical, why didn't fire crews call for a temporary flight restriction in that area? Seems like fire officials could have taken some steps to ensure they have an easier time with the flame retardant drops.

That was an AP story, not a Statesman Journal story.

is, regardless of what the pilot may or may not have done, is that something happened that pissed someone off. I suppose the FAA will pull radar tapes and look at the tracks of the aircraft in the area, not the first time that has happened to Portland media aircraft (something about flying too low over Peacock Lane?).

KGW is the WORST when it comes to abusing the "right" to fly the skies.
Several times, I have been awakened at 6:00 AM (sometimes 5:20 AM) by that damn chopper hovering over some stupid traffic site. They shouldn't be allowed in the air until at least 8 am.... it's not being a good neighbor. But, if you email your complaints, you get a very generic "thank you for your comments.." email in return.

I think it's time to complain to the FAA about this, too!

I believe 12 is the station that has the reporter in a chopper doing live traffic reports.... when he's not doing them from inside the chopper at the airfield.

Bet it's KPTV. They're on standby at Hillsboro by then, so they're much quicker off the pad in the morning than KGW--witness the hikers who were lost in the Gorge the other day (and who flipped off reporters, after they were found).

Yep Mr Larsen was may be technically correct (No TFR in place), but does that make what he did right? Funny thing, he wasn't the only helicopter up there and those guys usually talk to each other, so why was he so low? hmmm. Any pilot receiving a good "annual" flight review in this neck of the woods will be told about summer flying and never fly in the vicinity of a fire, or if you do be way above it, look for traffic and get out of the way of firefighting aircraft! Especially in the case of a fire like this one which went from a 1/4 acre to more than 10 in an hour or so. There wasn't time to get a TFR in place and even there was all the players were already in the air and not getting updated briefings. I won't quote the rules, here's a link, have fun and maybe pass it on to your pilot buddies.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/fire/aviation/airspace/web/index.html
I say bust him for 30 days and let him figure it out. He sounds like he is a pompous ass. You all know what excuses are like don't you? Yes everyone has one of those too and they all stink. He knew there was a fire. He probably saw other aircraft, including the Air Attack Lead Plane and DC7's. There's not an excuse in the world that will vindicate him. The fact there didn't happen to be a TFR at the time is no excuse. By the way this was a State of Oregon fire, since the lands involved were private or State controlled. Forest Service provided backup but the Air Tankers were State of Oregon DC7's that came up from Medford and Redmond.

The Forest Service has been experiencing more frequent aviation related accidents this year than in the past. Nobody needs these "excellent" bold pilots out there proving they are right. Oh and yes I am a commercial pilot and have been flying since 1984 and have spent time flying smokejumper aircraft.

In order to bust someone you need to show that that person broke a rule you tell me what FAR he broke without a TFR in place ? If the air tankers came from Medford and Redmond dont you think that allowed time to get a TFR in place before they arrived or even departed for their own protection?
Sounds to me like there own system failed and the KGW pilot is taking the heat for it

I was with Daron in the back of Sky 8 during the Hood River Fire. He was never told that there was a TFR, and we only found out about one when we had already left the scene and flying over Bonneville Dam. Daron was flying high as he usually does and was not "hotdogging" it to get great pictures. He was flying in his usual orbit over the scene and far from the fire fighting aircraft. Those who are calling the KGW pilot a "pompous ass" should get their facts straight. I have been shooting video from helicopters for the last 21 years and I would know if a pilot is flying to low or dangerous, and Daron was NOT!

You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.

Keep out of the way of firefighters whether there is a TFR or not. The public does not need close pictures "Only on 2", "Exclusive to 8" or 12.

The public does not need up close and personal. They need the firefighters/workers to be able to do their job without interference or problems. Regardless of right of ways, TFR's, etc.