i googled about chopper 8 and did not find anything about them not using it--a helicopter is a big asset to news crew,they can get footage of an incident an on ground crew cant get, look at the well known footage of the sandy hook tragedy im assuming it was ch 12's helicopter flying over the school recording the police swarming the school and also the area. i did find in the search this info,but if they are stll in use are air band would be monitored to since they have to let the FAA they are in the air
Chopper 8 FAQ
(WTNH) - Here are a number of the most "Frequently Asked Questions" directed to the crew of Chopper 8.
How fast can Chopper 8 fly?
Under standard conditions, Chopper 8's top speed is around 100-105 knots (about 115-120mph). We usually cruise at about 95-100 knots. We have seen ground speeds of around 150mph during extreme tail winds!
How high can Chopper 8 fly?
If needed, Chopper 8 could climb to an altitude of 15,000 feet. Usually, Chopper 8 operates between 1,000 and 2,000 feet above the ground and spends most of it's time at about 1,500 feet AGL (above ground level).
How far can Chopper 8 Fly?
Depending on the conditions and cruise settings, Chopper 8 can fly over 250 miles with ease.
How long can Chopper 8 stay in the air?
Once again depending on the exact conditions, Chopper 8 has a maximum endurance of over 2.5 hours.
How much fuel does Chopper 8 carry and use?
Chopper 8 can carry a total of 112 gallons of Jet fuel. Unfortunately, Chopper 8 is also a very thirsty bird and depending on conditions and settings can burn between 30 and 40 gallons of fuel an hour!
How fast do Chopper 8's rotor blades turn?
The main rotor turns at 395 revolutions per minute and the tail rotor, which is nearly invisible at top speed turns at an incredible 2,560-rpm!
How often does Chopper 8 fly?
Chopper 8 flies whenever the station needs aerial pictures or coverage of a story, from an hour or less or up to 8 hours or more a day. Often we fly for the Morning or Evening shows for traffic coverage, Noon or the Eleven o'clock shows whenever needed and anytime or anywhere in between for breaking news. In total, Chopper 8 logs well over 700 hours of flight time a year.
How powerful is Chopper 8's main camera?
The main camera aboard Chopper 8 is the best and most powerful aerial broadcast camera available today, the FLIR Ultramedia III. It is 90 pounds of digital, space age camera technology. Mounted on the nose of the aircraft and coupled to it's 1,100mm lens, it provides long range video in any conditions with a maximum zoom ratio of around 70:1.
How far away can Chopper 8 broadcast from?
With its powerful microwave transmitters, Chopper 8 can easily transmit pictures and video from over 100 miles away. Chopper 8 has sent audio and video back to Channel 8 from New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Long Island, Martha's Vineyard and even Cape Cod!
Can Chopper 8 take up passengers?
Chopper 8 can carry a total of four people if needed. Normally, just the standard crew of the Pilot and Reporter/Camera Operator are aboard for news flights. Unfortunately, we cannot take up members of the general public or even station employees except under special circumstances. We only take Geoff Fox up when he's been a really good boy!
How expensive is it to operate Chopper 8?
Jet turbine aircraft with broadcasting gear on board are all around complex and expensive pieces of machinery to operate and maintain. All things considered, Chopper 8's overall operating cost can be well in excess of $500 an hour while in the air.
How expensive are the equipment systems aboard Chopper 8?
In a word, very! The highly complex main camera system alone is worth well over $300,000. All told, this highly specialized aircraft and the additional 700 pounds of customized broadcast gear push Chopper 8's total price tag to nearly $1.7 million dollars.
Who fixes and maintains Chopper 8?
Chopper 8 has a very experienced and dedicated crew chief and mechanics team that helps to keep her airborne. A very thorough safety and maintenance inspection is performed on the aircraft every 100 hours of flight time and all work is performed in strict accordance with the manufacturers guidelines.
Where is Chopper 8 based?
Chopper 8 is based near the center of Connecticut for the best response time to any location within the state. The chopper has its very own hangar with independent power and maintenance equipment, crew ready room, offices and a rest area. Chopper 8 is kept fueled and at a full "flight ready" status at all times. It can be airborne in less than 5 minutes when called upon.
Is it comfortable flying aboard Chopper 8?
We have all the comforts of home and then some! Chopper 8 is a very comfortable and smooth flying aircraft featuring full cabin heat and air conditioning, leather seats, auto pilot, state of the art broadcasting, communications and navigation systems and big panoramic windows with unbelievable views that are always changing!
Is it fun flying aboard Chopper 8?
It is not only fun but also an honor to fly aboard Connecticut's ONLY news helicopter. The job is very demanding and takes a lot of experience to master but is truly the best job out there. We love to fly and we like to think it shows in our unique aerial perspective, in images and words, we contribute to Channel 8's news programs.
. Yeah, I do know I've seen Chopper 12 on TV here on News 12, but only for the big stuff like you said. 
