El Aero Helicopter Pilot Ted McBride
An El Aero helicopter pilot has died after his Bell Jet Ranger crashed while on a reseeding operation for the BLM on Monday. 74 year old Ted McBride of Elko was the only occupant of the helicopter that went down at about 3 p-m some 50 miles west of Ely. El Aero President and CEO Ginna Reyes described McBride as a "local legend," who, "had a passion for flying and found a way to serve through aviation." An employee since 1972, McBride retired two years ago although he continued to fly part time for the company and was a favorite pilot serving countless projects from search and rescue to firefighting, flights for the mining industry, tourism and the BLM. McBride was also a pilot in Vietnam. the cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board.
