41 Action News is launching a new tool to help bring you the news!
41 SkyHawk is an unmanned aircraft system, commonly called a drone. 41 Action News is the first television station in Kansas City to use this technology.
41 SkyHawk can take you to places no other station in the area can get their cameras to.
In late August, the Federal Aviation Administration began allowing news stations to use drones as part of their coverage.
41 Action News used it for the first time to cover the demolition of the old Platte Purchase Bridge on Thursday. With cameras on the ground, our helicopter in the air and the drone hovering, we were able to capture three unique angles of the demolition.
WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE DRONE FOOTAGE
Photojournalists Wayne Gassman and Tim Hellhake piloted the 41 SkyHawk from the ground. According to federal regulations, there must always be a two-person crew at the controls.
In addition to bringing you clear, complete coverage, 41 Action News is also dedicated to the privacy and safety of our staff and the Kansas City community.
All of the 41 Action News drone pilots have obtained a remote pilot certificate from the FAA.
41 SkyHawk can legally fly as high as 400 feet in the air and only during daylight hours. It's not allowed to fly over people, but it is permitted to fly around them.
“It really helps show the expanse of the story,” said Wayne Gassman, 41 Action News photojournalist. “It's a great accent piece of video. You don't want to make a whole video about it, but you want to show the scope of what you're covering.”
41 Action News has been working on rolling out the drone for several years. We have been meticulous in planning to use it as a way to better inform you and to bring you a different prospective on the stories that impact our community.
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