E-Paper
Who was George Marciniw? Veteran helicopter pilot and NewsChopper 4 flyer for NBCLA killed in crash
George Marciniw, a Southern California helicopter pilot with over 30 years of experience, is associated with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper 4.
Prefer HTon Google
George Marciniw was a veteran Southern California helicopter pilot whose name has come into focus after an NBC News helicopter crashed while covering a vehicle accident in Los Angeles on September 15. Marciniw had been associated with helicopter operations in the region and had worked as a pilot and flight instructor.
NBC Los Angeles has now confirmed that Marciniw was among the three dead in the helicopter crash today.
Marciniw was associated with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsChopper 4, the helicopter used by the station to provide aerial footage for breaking news and major events across Southern California. His work had put him behind the controls during live news coverage, giving television viewers an aerial view of incidents that would otherwise be difficult to capture from the ground.
Also read: ‘You can't pull up?’: Chilling audio as video shows exact moment NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed
George Marciniw had flown helicopters for more than 30 years
According to a professional flight-instructor profile, Marciniw said he had been a helicopter flight instructor for more than 30 years and has accumulated about 14,000 flight hours. The profile listed his base as Whiteman Airport in Southern California and identifies him with Pacific Rotorways Helicopter Training.
His professional work extended beyond television news. His Facebook profile described him as a helicopter pilot involved in aerial filming, flight instruction, surveillance, ferry flights and helicopter management.
Also read: Who is Eliana Moreno? NBCLA's NewsChopper 4 aerial reporter covering Los Angeles from above
His work with NBC News
Marciniw had flown helicopters for NBC News in Los Angeles, including the aircraft used for television news coverage.
Aviation-related posts featuring Marciniw identified him as the pilot during flights involving NBC's Los Angeles news helicopter. One post described a night flight in an NBC News helicopter with Marciniw and NBC Los Angeles reporter Eliana Moreno.
NBC 4 is the Los Angeles station operated by KNBC, NBC's owned-and-operated station serving Southern California. The station's news operation has a long history of using helicopters and aerial newsgathering.
More than an NBC news pilot
Marciniw's career extended beyond flying for television. His flight-instructor profile said he taught both new and experienced pilots and could provide instruction using either his helicopters or a student's aircraft.
His Instagram profile also continued to feature helicopter aviation and aerial work, including photographs and videos from flights in Southern California.
Deep Dive
