Jackson Chopper Contingency

Michael JacksonUPDATE: Correction: Wick tells us the chopper is NOT meant to carry Michael's body and is just there for "emergency purposes only."

Law enforcement tells us their contingency plan to get Michael Jackson from Forest Lawn to Staples Center has some danger associated with it.

L.A. City Fire Captain William Wick says if a processional on the freeway is too dicey, a fire dept. chopper will take Jackson's body to downtown L.A. But he says "I'm concerned for our pilot's safety," because of the 20 news choppers hovering around in a tight air space.

Capt. Wick says he's considering calling the FAA to restrict the airspace.

Again, the plan is to take Jackson's body by motorcade -- the helicopter plan is the contingency, but they're getting ready for it.

UPDATE: Captain Wick told us the FAA has granted permission to clear a one mile area of airspace -- called a "temporary flight restriction" -- and says he's "highly considering" using the grant.

Tags: air space, AirSpace, faa, forest lawn, ForestLawn, helicopter, michael jackson, MichaelJackson, staples center, StaplesCenter

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(Page 2 of 2) Previous 15 Comments

16. BREAKING NEWS ON CNN:
MJ CORPSE TO BE PARACHUTED FROM HELICOPTER INTO STAPLES CENTER. THE BODY TO BE FITTED WITH A PADDED NAMBLA BEAR OUTFIT TO CUSHION THE LANDING.

Posted at 11:54AM on Jul 7th 2009 by NEEK

17. Enough is enough; this is getting ridiculous. -____-

Posted at 11:54AM on Jul 7th 2009 by Mimi

18. I soooooooooooo agree with post #8.

Posted at 11:55AM on Jul 7th 2009 by Mary

19. I just tried donating to the MJ fund at the Los Angeles Website and it's not working, I think a ton of ppl are donating!

Posted at 11:55AM on Jul 7th 2009 by Julie

20. Give me a break please! This whole think is just a bunch of CRAP!!!!!!! He was a child molester for heavens sakes.

Posted at 11:55AM on Jul 7th 2009 by imgumbydammit

21. Speaking of math -- MARY you need to do the math, too! It hasn't been 19 days.

June 25 - July 7th isn't 19 days!!!

Mary must have learned math by the same folks who are whining about the costs to the city.

Posted at 12:01PM on Jul 7th 2009 by Someone Who Knows

22. How much did Michael Jackson pay in taxes on his earnings, real estate and overall sales of his albums and concerts in California? Almost all of his production work took place in LA so factor in all the employment associated with that and all the taxes that generates. Now factor in the impact of all the people who came from around the world to be in LA this week and all the taxes they're generating in hotel rooms, restaurants and every minute they're all standing around talking on their iPhones.

He probably represented more than $20Billion in sales on albums alone. Since he died, he's probably sold more than $10 Million in music via albums and digital download singles. In the age of Carter (and now Obama) and early Reagan when Off the Wall and Thriller were released that was taxed at more than 50%, closer to 70%. Add in California concert sales, promotions like Pepsi ads and the Michael Jackson institution probably generated more than $50Billion in activity in California... all taxed.

Posted at 12:00PM on Jul 7th 2009 by Rob

23. Just because someone LIES to force a rich celebrity into a settlement, doesn't make it true. If my child were molested, money would never close the issue. They lied. He is innocent. Let the man rest in peace and stop tarnishing him when he can't defend himself. Cowards!

Posted at 1:10PM on Jul 7th 2009 by Truth-be-told

24. Bravo Rob -- exactly what I'm sayin

Posted at 12:37PM on Jul 7th 2009 by Someone Who Knows

25. well i'm kinda surpised in one way but i'm beleiving micheal jackson wasn't in that casket at the memoral service, cause who drive's off without there loved one.. oh well i really liked micheal jackson and if he is already put awy i hope he rested in peace he deserve it god bless you micheal jackson.........

Posted at 6:04PM on Jul 7th 2009 by myrtie frasure

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