Telecopter
The KTLA Telecopter was the world's first television news helicopter, which first went into operation in 1958. The on-board video and audio equipment communicated with a line of sight KTLA transmitter receiver on top of Mount Wilson. The first helicopter was leased to KTLA by National Helicopter Service and Engineering Company in Van Nuys. For several years, KTLA was the only TV station with a helicopter based TV camera crewed reporting platform.
The Telecopter was designed and introduced by KTLA chief engineer John D. Silva.
Versions
The first three Telecopters were as follows:| Version | Year | Helicopter | Notes |
| 1 | 1958 | Bell 47G-2 | Equipment mounted externally |
| 2 | 1959 | Bell 47J-2 Ranger | Equipment mounted internally |
| 3 | 1969 | Bell 206 JetRanger |