Small Aircraft Flying In The Vicinity Of Two Manned Helos

A UAV caused concern among the crews of two helicopters covering a fire in the Seattle area for television stations KIRO, KOMO, and KING.

The quadcopter was first noticed by the camera operator aboard the KIRO aircraft. He pointed his camera at the helo covering the fire for KING and KOMO, and saw the UAV hovering at about 1,500 feet of altitude over the larger aircraft.

He tracked the UAV with his camera, and eventually followed it to the operator on the ground.

Television station KIRO reports that camera operator Scott Crueger said that the pilot of his aircraft saw the UAV near their aircraft before it went to inspect the KING/KOMO helicopter.

Crueger said that he followed operator until he went into a nearby house. The pilot contacted the FAA, which said it is investigating.

A crew from KIRO later went to the house, and the woman who answered the door said that police had been there earlier, but denied that anyone at the house owned a UAV.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/sea/contact/