Keith McCutchen

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Chief Pilot Keith McCutchen joined WISH-TV in February of 1997. A native of Bloomington, Indiana, McCutchen attended Indiana University and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he received his degree in Aeronautical Science.

McCutchen began his flying career in the United States Army in 1977. After four years in the service, he flew offshore runs to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Later, McCutchen flew E.M.S. for Welborn Hospital in Evansville, Indiana and Lifeline for Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Prior to his appointment at WISH-TV, he served as chief pilot for the Indianapolis Heliport, managing seven E.M.S. programs in the Midwest. Since joining WISH-TV, he has added a new twist to his career with reporting news at the same time he is flying Chopper 8. He has been flying for over 32 years and has over 12,500 hours of flight time.

He holds a certificate of achievement, a certificate of recognition and a certificate of appreciation from the F.A.A. He has received a certificate of recognition and a meritorious service award from the Helicopter Association International. McCutchen has been the Chairman of the Board for the National Broadcast Pilots Association for two years and was president of the NBPA for four years prior to that. He is currently the chairman of the Helicopter Association Internationals Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Committee working with the FAA and the NTSB regarding safety in ENG helicopters. He has also had over a dozen articles published in various national helicopter magazines.

An avid golfer, McCutchen also enjoys traveling and scuba diving. Keith is single and has two daughters who live in Indianapolis and one daughter who resides in Tennessee.