KWTV Helicopter Pilot Reporter

A Helicopter Pilot Reporter at News 9 helps drive the Ideal Team Player culture.

Job Summary: The Helicopter Pilot Reporter is responsible for piloting a news helicopter to gather aerial footage and reporting on news stories. This role involves coordinating with the news team to cover breaking news, traffic updates, and other significant events, ensuring high-quality footage and accurate reporting while maintaining safety protocols at all times.

Job Responsibilities:

• Pilot the news helicopter safely and efficiently. Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections. Ensure the helicopter is maintained according to safety standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with the assignment desk, news directors and producers to plan coverage of news stories. Provide live aerial footage for news broadcasts. Capture high-quality video footage and still images of news events, traffic conditions, and other relevant subjects.
• Report live from the helicopter, providing clear, and accurate narration. Conduct live interviews when necessary. Deliver timely updates on breaking news and ongoing stories.
• Work closely with the onboard Helicopter Video Journalist and newsroom personnel to ensure smooth operation and communication.
• Adhere to all applicable FAA regulations and company safety policies. Stay updated on weather conditions and adjust flight plans accordingly. Participate in regular safety training and drills.
• Maintain detailed flight logs and records. Report any mechanical issues or incidents to the Statewide News Operations Manager.
• Participate in team meetings and editorial discussions.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including driving an automobile for company business.

Job Schedule: This is a full-time position primarily working 40 hours per week. You may also be called upon at times to fill in other hours and days of the week to help cover vacations, illnesses, breaking news, severe weather, or special projects/events. This position is not eligible to work remotely. 

Essential Qualities:

• Humble: A habit of sharing successes, putting the team first, and working for the good of the team. A “we” not “me” attitude. The ability to give and receive constructive criticism. Observe and employ the Golden Rule.
• Hungry: Exhibit a strong work ethic, drive, and willingness to take initiative.
• Smart: The virtue of being interpersonally smart about the interactions and relationships of those you encounter.
• Positive Attitude: Exhibited by focusing on opportunities not problems, see the glass as half-full not half-empty.
• Sense of Urgency: How we react and respond.

Skills and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism or related field preferred. Related experience will be evaluated and may be substituted as years of education.
• Minimum of 10 years of helicopter piloting experience preferred. Experience in news gathering or a related field preferred.
• Valid FAA Commercial Rotorcraft Pilot License (Rotorcraft).
• Current FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate.
• Employment will terminate once the employee reaches the age of 70.
• Bell Training School Certification for Bell 206L4 and Bell 505 Helicopters
• Strong piloting and navigation skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Proficiency with camera operation and broadcast equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure and in fast-paced environments.
• Strong sense of news judgment and storytelling.
• High level of professionalism and ethical standards.
• Ability to remain calm and focused during live broadcasts and emergency situations.
• Must be willing to work irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to handle the physical demands of piloting and operating camera equipment including exposure to various weather conditions during flight operations.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and have a driving record acceptable to the company. This is a designated safety sensitive position.
• Ability to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Capable of handling the physical and mental requirements including:
  • ability to verbally communicate in English
  • ability to read computer monitor information (words and data)
  • ability to hear detailed spoken word
  • ability to remain sedentary and to travel to work location
  • ability to perform manual dexterity tasks with hands, fingers
  • ability to analyze data, concentrate, reason, and write
  • ability to perform under emotional stress
  • ability to lift 50 pounds unaided
  • ability to work rotating shifts and be on 24-hour call

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.