Forum Topic

Local radio traffic helicopter

Did LBC or Capital Radio ever use a helicopter for traffic problem spotting and reporting?I know Capital used to have a plane, the question is about helicopters.

Amy Brookes ● 5122d4 Comments

Capital radio was flying eye and russell Cain

Mark Ryan ● 5118d

Different Mike Smith; a smartly dressed man with a dark goaty beard. He was the chief helicopter pilot for Air Gregory at that time and an ex-navy pilot. He has since returned to Denham with his own company, Heliair which holds the agency for Robinson helicopters. Both he and his son flew round the World in very small helicopters in 1997.I remember one occasion when Mike was late getting to Denham because he was stuck in traffic on the A40.  When he got to the helicopter, he was due on air, so immediately broadcast the traffic hold up on the A40 before even taking off.

Brian Davis ● 5122d

Thanks Brian, but are you sure that's correct?  Mike Smith (assuming he's the bloke who is married to Sarah Greene) qualified to fly in Feb 1988, crashing it in September '88 and worked for Capital not LBC from '78.The reason this has come about is a friend of mine was asking if I remembered the Flying Eye, which I do, but also have a vauge memory of the same thing done in a helicopter.  It isn't important, but thanks anyway.

Amy Brookes ● 5122d

In the early seventies, LBC chartered a helicopter owned and flown by Mike Smith.  He used to fly from Denham airfield, up the A40 and into London, reporting on the traffic at the same time.

Brian Davis ● 5122d