SkyFoxHD's Blog

The Pope's visit to NYC and Washington was truly inspiring. To see children idolizing someone who has devoted their life to serving others, someone who symbolizes love, compassion, tolerance, and truth is, in many ways, a renewal of hope for everyone. No matter what religion you practice, it is refreshing to see people rally behind someone who's message reminds us to work for a better world and to offer a helping hand to those in need. I consider it a privilege to have covered his visit to our area.

A little less than a week before the Pope's visit, the first flight restrictions were published by the FAA. Surprisingly, they weren't as tight as we thought they would be and figured that there would be more issued as the week progressed but they never did. On Friday we were over Central Park looking back down East 72nd street where the Pope was staying. He was scheduled to head over to the Church of Saint Joseph on East 87 Street and we were waiting for him to emerge from the Vatican Embassy. Just after he got into his limo, air traffic controllers told us to leave the area and we got nothing! We thought for sure that it would be the same deal for the rest of his visit but on Saturday we decided to try again anyway. We were able to hang out over Saint Pat's for a little while Saturday morning but again were asked to leave just before he arrived. For the Pope's public greeting up 5th Avenue, we were kept a few miles away but were still able to get some distant shots of the Pope Mobile as the Pope waved to the thousands of devoted Catholics who had crammed the sidewalks to see him.

Only two news helicopters launched for the Pope's trek up to Yonkers and we were one of them. I decided to take a chance and park it over the west side of Central Park. I had the same shot I had had the day before: that white tent out in front of the Vatican Embassy surrounded by a small army of NYPD Officers, Secret Service Agents, Swiss Guardsman, and Vatican Dignitaries. The Pope entered his limo and the motorcade was on the move. It was then that we caught a big break. As the Pope moved through the upper east side, the helicopter began to move with him. I looked at my pilot, Rob Angelos, in amazement, "They're letting us follow him?" Rob replied, "They are for now...". So with five law enforcement helicopters hovering overhead, 15 or so motorcycle cops at the front of the motorcade, 10 other NYPD and Secret Service vehicles, and police sharp shooters stationed on various rooftops along the route, there we were...right over the Pope as he looked out from the FDR Drive at the East River. At one point, I zoomed all the way in on the limo and could actually see the white-haired Pontiff. We were the only news helicopter there. It felt good.

Looking back, I now realize that the only reason we were allowed to do what we did is because we were the only one's there. If there had been any other news helicopters in that spot they would have asked us to stay clear. The gamble paid off and the our station was grateful. Many people have complimented me since then saying that the shots were great. I couldn't have done it, however, without the finesse and skill of my pilot, Rob who pulled some tricky maneuvers out of his repertoire to make it happen.

In the end I learned that no matter what you think may happen, things can always take an unexpected turn and you have to be ready for it especially in this business. It turns out that we were ready and we seized an opportunity when it was presented. Maybe it was skill and maybe it was luck. Either way, it felt awesome!

Yours Truly,

Kai Simonsen