Debrief

Chuck Scarborough is the consummate newsman. From 1974 to today, Scarborough, a 31-time Emmy winner, has been the anchor for WNBC-New York, the longest tenure of any broadcaster in New York City. And he’s been a pilot for a couple of decades before that.

Started in aviation…My father was a highly decorated B–17 pilot in the second World War. I grew up being regaled by dad of his exciting adventures. I was hooked on aviation as soon as I could toddle.

Favorite airplane…The only airplane I have ever owned I bought from my favorite uncle, who was a dive bomber pilot in World War II. The first all-metal Mooney MK 21.

Aviation in your work…I did fly to story locations and took along a crew. It gave us a bit of mobility that was invaluable. It also gave me a leg up on covering anything to do with aviation, which was not covered well by general assignment reporters. You could diagnose a calamity and understand what the NTSB and the FAA were up to.

Aviation activity…I’ve flown on rescue missions with the para-rescue guys, and all sorts of aviation-related stories. Everything from hot air balloon to hot fighters. I’ve done reports on the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels—I never hurled.

Advice for students…Consider adding a course in basic aerobatics after you earn your private, instrument, or commercial rating. Even though the odds are miniscule that you’ll ever need those skills, having them will be a comfort if you ever find yourself inverted or need to execute a violent maneuver outside the envelope of typical civilian pilot training.