Craig Smith

Craig Smith pilots and reports from WXYZ-TV's Chopper 7 covering breaking news stories as part of Channel 7's Action News team.

As a helicopter pilot/reporter, Craig has worked with Channel 7 since 1997. Craig began his broadcast career and interest in flying helicopters in 1987 working as part of the AAA Safety Copter program, as a traffic reporter. He then began taking flying lessons and earned his commercial helicopter rating in December 1990.

Craig's helicopter pilot career began in 1991 working for McMahon Helicopters as a commercial 135 helicopter pilot. His flying duties included flying cargo for GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler, flying human organs and the transplant team of doctors for the University of Michigan and Henry Ford hospitals and aerial videos for TV and other commercial usage.

His interest in both broadcasting and helicopters led him to his pilot/reporter opportunity with Channel 7. In addition to his duties with Channel 7, Craig moonlights providing special event coverage for WJR Radio from Jetcopter 760. He covers such events as race weekends at the Michigan Speedway and the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Craig studied criminology and communications at Washtenaw and Oakland Community colleges and Oakland University. While Craig isn't flying Chopper 7, he enjoys his antique cars and playing guitar in his rock band around the Detroit metro area.