Monday, April 19, 2021

Helicopter places new Fox 5 antenna atop Bethesda TV tower (Photos)


Many in the Westbard area of Bethesda were startled when a red and white helicopter suddenly descended to make a landing near the McDonald's on River Road around 8:20 AM yesterday morning. A few minutes later, it lifted off carrying a tall antenna, and ascended to a point above the 850' tall telecommunications tower at 5208 River Road behind McDonald's. After adding the antenna to the array atop the tower, it landed once more nearby, before departing due north.


The operation was actually supposed to take place a few weekends ago, but was delayed until yesterday. Fox 5 is the owner of the new antenna, which is being placed ahead of the TV station's move to 7272 Wisconsin Avenue later this year. Already, Fox 5 equipment is installed atop The Wilson, the new Class-A office tower at the Carr Properties development.


FAA records indicate the helicopter was a Sikorsky S-61 N owned by Construction Helicopters of Howell, Michigan. The TV tower is owned and operated by Crown Castle.

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