SkyNews 9 HD

Oklahoma's Own Jim Gardner has joined the News 9 team as the pilot for SkyNews9 HD. Jim has been a pilot for 28 years. He started his career with Cine/Exec Helicopters in Burbank, California, where his flying duties involved various film and photo work, and the transporting of numerous celebrities. Read Jim’s bio.

Bob Mills SkyNews 9 HD

Bob Mills SkyNews 9 HD is Oklahoma’s fastest news helicopter, a Bell 407. A single engine chopper, Bob Mills SkyNews 9 HD uses a four-blade, soft-in-plane design rotor with composite hub. This was originally developed for the United States Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter. Bob Mills SkyNews 9 HD has three high definition cameras on board – one each in the nose, dash and tail so you get the action from all perspectives.

Helicopter Specifications

Speeds At Max Gross Weight
Max speed	161 mph
Max cruise	153 mph
Range at VLRC	380 miles
Max endurance	3.8 hrs

Capacities
Standard seating	5
Standard fuel	127.8 US gal
Aux fuel	19 US gal

Weights
Empty Weight	2,691 lbs
Standard internal gross weight	5,000 lbs
Useful load, standard	2,309 lbs

Standard Specifications

All composite, four-blade rotor provides superior hover performance, speed and a smooth quiet ride
Standard bi-fold door with a 61 in (155 cm) opening for quick and easy loading and unloading
Exceptional useful payload capability of 2,332 lbs/1,058 kg
Spacious 85 ft³/2.4 m³ cabin that accommodates 6 passengers and is multi-mission capable
Demonstrated 140 kts/259 kph speed
Max range of 330 nm/611 km
Three High-def cameras on board: nose, dash and tail