AVIATION > Video-shooting minihelicopter

NEWS.COM: The National Association of Broadcasters 2006 electronic-media conference, offering a showcase of the latest broadcasting technology, is taking place this week in Las Vegas.

Here are the PC-enabled controls for the CVG-A "autonomous" helicopter, which Coptervision rents to Hollywood production crews. The system allows an operator to set a flight plan with a computer. The small helicopter can safely fly below bridges, around trees and inside warehouses.

Production companies can rent the small helicopter--starting at $5,000--to film commercials, movies and music videos or to take still photographs. Van Nuys, Calif.-based Coptervision plans to begin selling its helicopters in the fall.