Eat News 4745 Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 Well then... [MEDIA=twitter]697958273484390400[/MEDIA] Looks like an unfinished blue Shamu. I would really like to be a cheerleader for Chopper 8...Hippie....ya just added 25 pounds in paint...so thats 4 gallons less fuel at take-off assuming you didn't strip off the old paint...which I highly doubt. The paint job looks unfinished. Lipstick on a pig. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-145531 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ihEARDtHAT 8 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Posted today on Facebook by Phil Konstantin N218GH Bell 206B-III (Helicopters Limited LLC) http://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/12745791_10208330056078836_3806391793950854601_n.jpg?oh=3cc5bb0164bba24cf2b4e6ffa83fc958&oe=575D927F http://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/992923_10208330056118837_1130005562570973401_n.jpg?oh=2f3070bdd8cbb136af68fdefe6e450ed&oe=576B5859 http://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/10157162_10208330056198839_7473366373021584775_n.jpg?oh=0d1fe91c0cb11c78c67014a7c1e633e8&oe=57234BF3 Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146072 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 I think it's too much with the large CBS eye. Or at the very least they should have made it a bit darker so that it doesn't detract from the 8 logo. A bit surprised that they decided to put a decal logo of 760KFMB AM on the other side. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146074 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Oh my! That actually looks pretty nice. But underneath the pretty paint job........ Oh heck....Enjoy the moment. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146075 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 I think it's too much with the large CBS eye. Or at the very least they should have made it a bit darker so that it doesn't detract from the 8 logo. A bit surprised that they decided to put a decal logo of 760KFMB AM on the other side. Come to think of it ... 760 does not take any live chopper 8 traffic reports if I remember correctly. Strange. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146078 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Come to think of it ... 760 does not take any live chopper 8 traffic reports if I remember correctly. Strange. So will it be Chopper 8, Chopper 760 or Chopper 8760? LOL. At least they didn't put up a sponsor decal on the chopper. Maybe the 760 decal will peel off in a few months... Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146079 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 So will it be Chopper 8, Chopper 760 or Chopper 8760? LOL. At least they didn't put up a sponsor decal on the chopper. Maybe the 760 decal will peel off in a few months... Careful what you wish for... "Sea World" just may be under that" 760 "decal. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-146082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 Jennifer Marcum will be replacing Phil in Chopper 8 starting 4-2-16. While they are training they are in the A-Star due to "weight issues". Are they "fat shaming" chopper 8??? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147560 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 17, 2016 Author Share Posted March 17, 2016 Jennifer Marcum will be replacing Phil in Chopper 8 starting 4-2-16. While they are training they are in the A-Star due to "weight issues". Are they "fat shaming" chopper 8??? Wait, so her, Phil and the pilot are all in the same chopper? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147569 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 17, 2016 Share Posted March 17, 2016 Wait, so her, Phil and the pilot are all in the same chopper? She is in one of those water buckets that the CDF uses hanging below the chopper.... Yes... They are all in the A-star...otherwise they would never get off the ground. I doubt they will "train" for too many days opting to get back into the 206. I hope Phil shows her where the exit rows are. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147570 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 She is in one of those water buckets that the CDF uses hanging below the chopper.... Yes... They are all in the A-star...otherwise they would never get off the ground. I doubt they will "train" for too many days opting to get back into the 206. I hope Phil shows her where the exit rows are. Phil said at first that he was retiring, then later on someone asked him why he was leaving and he said because he didn't like what ClearChannel (iHeart) was offering in terms of pay. So yeah, I can't imagine her lasting too long. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147575 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Phil said at first that he was retiring, then later on someone asked him why he was leaving and he said because he didn't like what ClearChannel (iHeart) was offering in terms of pay. So yeah, I can't imagine her lasting too long. Ask him point blank... Phil, Do you feel safe in Chopper 8? He will never answer publicly. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147577 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 Ask him point blank... Phil, Do you feel safe in Chopper 8? He will never answer publicly. At least while he's still employed by them. I can't fathom how Welk would go along with providing a helicopter that is not as reliable as the other ones in their fleet. Nevermind the client's budget constraints, they should have some standards as to what they send up-- If the client can't afford the services, then they should have moved on. But, I guess they're ok with any liability that can/will happen. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147578 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkolsen 1684 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Ask him point blank... Phil, Do you feel safe in Chopper 8? He will never answer publicly. Somewhere on the internet there were some supposed pilots and reporters that stated that helicopter news gathering is dangerous given the nature of the business. During any significant news event you will have every news helicopter in the area as well as police helicopters. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147580 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 Somewhere on the internet there were some supposed pilots and reporters that stated that helicopter news gathering is dangerous given the nature of the business. During any significant news event you will have every news helicopter in the area as well as police helicopters. That's not too much of an issue here since all news stations in town share the same chopper. If the police need to send a helicopter, it will only be one and that usually alternates between San Diego PD (ABLE) and the San Diego Sheriff's Dept. (ASTREA). They're the only law enforcement agencies in the county that provide aerial assistance. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147582 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I'm not calling it a deast At least while he's still employed by them. I can't fathom how Welk would go along with providing a helicopter that is not as reliable as the other ones in their fleet. Nevermind the client's budget constraints, they should have some standards as to what they send up-- If the client can't afford the services, then they should have moved on. But, I guess they're ok with any liability that can/will happen. It's not the reliability....it's the fact that it's already maxed out and totally unsuited for ENG work in Southern California because it's underpowered and the pilots are not experienced in "creative" flying.... The pilots don't make jack money wise because there is a glut of people willing to fly for nothing but the flight hours. But since there is no competitor to Chopper 8 then they can fly on the cheap...and fly like an old woman. They don't have to be good, because nobody will be complaining. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147589 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 I'm not calling it a deast It's not the reliability....it's the fact that it's already maxed out and totally unsuited for ENG work in Southern California because it's underpowered and the pilots are not experienced in "creative" flying.... The pilots don't make jack money wise because there is a glut of people willing to fly for nothing but the flight hours. But since there is no competitor to Chopper 8 then they can fly on the cheap...and fly like an old woman. They don't have to be good, because nobody will be complaining. In a way, the airship is unreliable- look at how many times the chopper has been down for whatever reason since they brought it on board. And if they're using the backup A-Star frequently, then are they (iHeart/Welk) really saving money? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147599 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Konstantin 11 Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Ask him point blank... Phil, Do you feel safe in Chopper 8? He will never answer publicly. I have always felt safe in Chopper 8. The 206 has gone out of service for a couple of reasons. It needed to change from the former contractor's equipment to ACA's. Then to get a new paint job, to get the new logos put on, regular maintenance, etc. not aware of any safety issues other than routine stuff which all helicopters face. Total Traffic convinced all the folks who participated in Sky10 to join them in Chopper 8. Sky10 stopped operation, and a few months later I joined Chopper 8's team. As far as retiring is concerned, I asked Total Traffic (part of iHeartMedia, which used to be called Clear Channel) for a raise after I had been here for a little over a year. I took a significant cut in pay after leaving Ch.10. TT said to wait until the Union negotiated the new contract. When the new contract came online, I was not happy with the negotiated minimum rate, which is all TT would pay. I told them I still wanted more, they declined. So, I decided to retire. I was unaware of this forum until today (March 25, 2016). I have always been willing to answer people's question, unless there is a specific management policy against it. Since I will start a year's worth of traveling soon, I may not be checking here much in the future. I will update my Facebook page (philkon) and my main website americanindian.net. FYI, the 206 is now gone because they had to repair the camera system. It has been fixed and should be returned soon. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147878 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Konstantin 11 Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Jennifer Marcum will be replacing Phil in Chopper 8 starting 4-2-16. While they are training they are in the A-Star due to "weight issues". Are they "fat shaming" chopper 8??? The 206 has been in the shop getting the camera replaced. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147880 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Konstantin 11 Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Lots of people question it's air worthiness. The take off weight is so high that they only fill the tank halfway. The pilots refuse to fly in the mountains because its overloaded...no flying during weather of any type.....and NO hovering...because it's at the max take off weight. It's a budget bird ... But like I say over and over.... There is NO incentive or desire to operate newer stuff. There is no competition. We have flown in the San Diego County mountains on many occasions. We usually only go there to cover breaking news. With not a lot of breaking news there, we seldom go there. In fact, we flew over Cuyamaca Peak just last week to look at a fire. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147881 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Konstantin 11 Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Ahhhhh Fresh snow in the mountains. You would think Chopper 8 would be all over that....just like the snow in LA. But Nooooooo You see Chopper 8 is flying today...just not to the mountains. The snow level is about 4500 feet, but that's way too high for Chopper 8...and way to far...not enough gas...not enough insurance...or flying experience. Maybe if Phil goes on a diet we can have snow video. LOL Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147882 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 Wow... Now I gotta atone for the weight crack. Welcome Phil, you will see I have some critical postings of the program so i'm sure you won't hold back... This beats the hell out of trying to communicate via sd radio. Ohhh... Everyone here wants inside pics of 218gh and the 29LW i9f ya got them. ...and I didn't call you fat... We called you fluffy. KFO-287 Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147908 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eat News 4745 Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 Welcome again... The biggest question most of us have is... Why not use the A-STAR fulltime? Does TT decide or is it up to the subscribers as a collective to spend the extra money for the better performance and safety? (disclaimer: I'm a Metro Alum L.A. back when it was MTC and Saperstien owned it...so I know "cheap")) Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147912 Share on other sites More sharing options...
A3N 1002 Posted March 26, 2016 Author Share Posted March 26, 2016 Welcome Phil! Nice to have you on the forum. Been a fan of yours since the CHP/10News days. One question I have is about the sharing agreement. Is every station required to sign an agreement for a certain amount of time? Like, can anyone pull out of the agreement at any time or do they have to wait for it to expire? And do you know if all stations are signed on for the foreseeable future, or is there a station looking/getting ready to pull out of the sharing agreement? Finally, would you ever consider doing helicopter reporting once again in the future, if another station in town got their own bird? Thanks for your time. Best wishes in your retirement. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147913 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Konstantin 11 Posted March 26, 2016 Share Posted March 26, 2016 This is the rear seat of the AStar. It will be going back soon. I am not privy to any of the financial decisions. I do know an AStar is much more expensive to operate than a 206. TTWn and the stations negotiated a contract which covers levels of equipment and hours flown, etc. That guides everyone's decisions as to what equipment is used, and when. As far as I know, it is a contract signed by all, and it covers a specific period of time. Most have been two or three years in length, but I do not know how long this contract is for. My replacement is being trained. Management has told me not to mention whom it is until it is official. So, I will not confirm or deny previous posts. The airborne job gets a bit more pay than the radio gigs. So, I doubt there will be any difficulty finding replacements among current TTWn -Metro-Clear Channel-iHeart employees. I guess I could be talked out of retirement if the money was right. That being said, San Diego is only the 25th biggest market in the country. Most radio and TV ad revenues have been going down. I do not expect there to be more money for salaries in the future than there are now or were in the past. So, I doubt if anyone will be beating down my door to get me back on the air, regardless of my experience or expertise. That being said, they are most welcome to try. And, if you haven't seen any pictures of me, I am very fluffy. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/14765-kfmbs-helicopter/page/5/#findComment-147924 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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